The Political Songs of England: From the Reign of John to That of Edward II

by Unknown

SONG OF THE HUSBANDMAN.

[MS. Harl. No. 2253, fol. 64, r^o; reign of Edw. II.]

Ich herde men upo mold make muche mon,

Hou he beth i-tened of here tilyynge,

Gode ȝeres and corn bothe beth a-gon,

Ne kepeth here no sawe ne no song syng.

“Now we mote worche, nis ther non other won,

Mai ich no lengore lyve with my lesinge;

Ȝet ther is a bitterore bid to the bon,

For ever the furthe peni mot to the kynge.