Approve what one of us presents to-night, We'll write to you, and make you write in rhyme; SONGS AND BALLADS. THE THIEF AND CORDELIER. A BALLAD. To the tune of King John and the Abbot of Canterbury. WHO has e'er been at Paris must needs know the The fatal retreat of the unfortunate brave, [Greve, Where honour and justice most oddly contribute To ease heroes' pains by a halter and gibbet. Derry down, down, hey derry down. put on, There death breaks the shackles which force had [begun ; And the hangman completes what the judge but There the' Squire of the Pad and the Knight of the [more crost. Find their pains no more balk'd, and their hopes no Derry down, &c. Post. Great claims there are made, and great secrets are known, [own ; And the king, and the law, and the thief has his But my hearers cry out, 'What a deuce dost thou Cut off thy reflections, and give us thy tale.' [ail? Derry down, &c. 6 'Twas there then, in civil respect to harsh laws, And for want of false witness to back a bad cause, A Norman, though late, was oblig❜d to appear, And who to assist, but a grave Cordelier? Derry down, &c. The 'Squire, whose good grace was to open the scene Derry down, &c. • What frightens you thus, my good son? (says the priest) You murder'd, are sorry, and have been confess'd.' O Father! my sorrow will scarce save my bacon, For 'twas not that I murder'd, but that I was taken.' Derry down, &c. 'Pugh! pr'ythee ne'er trouble thy head with such fancies; Rely on the aid you shall have from Saint Francis ; If the money you promis'd be brought to the chest, You have only to die; let the Church do the rest. Derry down, &c. And what will folks say if they see you afraid? It reflects upon me as I knew not my trade: Courage, friend, for to-day is your period of sorrow, And things will go better, believe me, to-morrow.' Derry down, &c. To-morrow! (our hero replied, in a fright,) He that's hang'd before noon, ought to think of to-night.' [truss'd up, Tell your beads, (quoth the priest) and be fairly For you surely to-night shall in Paradise sup.' Derry down, &c. 'Alas! quoth the 'Squire, howe'er sumptuous the treat, Parbleu, I shall have little stomach to eat; I should therefore esteem it great favour and grace, Would you be so kind as to go in my place.' Derry down, &c. That I would (quoth the Father) and thank you to boot, But our actions, you know, with our duty must suit: The feast I propos'd to you I cannot taste, For this night, by our Order, is mark'd for a fast.' Then turning about to the hangman, he said, |