The tune to which it was to be sung was "Rock the Cradle, sweet John," for which, see Chappell, i. p. 189.
Another, and more modern version, is that of "The Three Jovial Huntsmen"—
"It's of three jovial huntsmen an' a hunting they did go;
An' they hunted, an' they hallo'd, an' they blew their horns also,"
which has been illustrated by Caldecott.
The original ballad is in "The Woody Chorister," B.M. (1162, e 2).
This is one of the ballads Mr. Incledon Johns heard sung on the outskirts of Dartmoor in 1830, mentioned in his book, already noticed, published in 1832.
A version, "Six Jovial Welshmen," is given in vol. i. p. 128, Folk-Song Journal, from Sussex. It runs—
"It's of six jovial Welshmen, six jovial men were they,
And they would all a hunting ride, upon St. David's Day.
Then fill each glass and let it pass, no sign of care betray,
We'll drink and sing, 'Long live the King!' upon St. David's Day."
"When crook-back'd Richard wore the crown, as regent of the land,
No policy could pull him down, nor his proud foe withstand.
A tribute he from them did seek, which they refused to pay,
And in their caps they wore a leek, upon St. David's Day.
Then fill each glass, and let it pass, etc."
This is probably a re-edition of the older song.