And when of mirth we've had our will,
Upon the sward love shall entwine us;
Our plighted vows we'll then fulfill,
Without a canting priest to join us.
And when we go our country rounds,
Some trinkets selling, fortunes telling—
Some tink'ring, cooping, casting spoons,
We'll still obtain the ready shilling.
Unto the farm-steads we can hie,
Whene'er our stock of food grows scanty,
And from the hen-roost, bin, or sty,
We'll aye get fresh supplies in plenty.
And when the shepherd goes to sleep,
And on the fell remains the flock,
We'll steal abroad among the sheep,
And take a choice one from the stock.
The clergy take the tenth of swine,
Potatoes, poultry, corn, and hay—
Why should not gipsies, when they dine,
Have a tithe-pig as well as they?
We wish not for great store of wealth,
Nor pomp, nor pride, nor costly dainty;
While blest with liberty and health,
And competence—then we have plenty.
Merry shall we be to-day:
What is life devoid of pleasure?
Care from us keep far away,
While Mirth pursues his sprightly measure.
H. R.
[34] James Allan, the celebrated Northumberland bagpiper.
[35] A vagrant piper, who often travelled with gipsies.