The grappling-hooks were brought at length,

The browne bill and the sword-a,

John Dory at length, for all his strength,

Was clapt fast vnder board-a.

FOOTNOTES:

[100] The song “I cannot eat but little meat,” introduced into Gammer Gurton’s Needle, which was acted in 1566, was sung to ‘John Dory,’ says Mr Chappell, as above; but there is nothing to show that this was the original tune.

285

THE GEORGE ALOE AND THE SWEEPSTAKE

a. Percy Papers, “from an ancient black-letter copy in Ballard’s collection.”

b. Rawlinson, 566, fol. 183, 4o.