For into the chips there fell a spark,
Which put out in such flames,
That it was known into South-wark
Which lies beyond the Thames.
For Loe! the Bridge was wondrous high
With water underneath:
O’er which as many fishes fly
As birds therein do breathe.
And yet the fire consumed the Brigg,
Not far from place of landing;
And though the building was full big,
It fell down,—not with standing.
And eke into the water fell
So many pewter dishes,
That a man might have taken up very well
Both boil’d and roasted fishes!
And thus the Bridge of London Town,
For building that was sumptuous,
Was all by fire half burnt down,
For being too contumptious!
Thus you have all but half my song,
Pray list to what comes ater;
For now I have cool’d you with the fire,—
I’ll warm you with the water!
I’ll tell you what the River’s name’s
Where these children did slide—a,
It was fair London’s swiftest Thames
Which keeps both Time and Tide—a.
All on the tenth of January,
To the wonder of much people;
’Twas frozen o’er that well ’twould bear
Almost a country steeple!
Three children sliding thereabout,
Upon a place too thin;
That so at last it did fall out,
That they did all fall in.
A great Lord there was that laid with the King,
And with the King great wager makes;
But when he saw that he could not win
He sigh’d,—and would have drawn stakes.