54 LEONARD WHEATCROKT, OF ASHOVER. 



Again I say, he that doth break a rope or wheel 



Shall pay his stake, and I will mend it well. 



And if he will by force enter my steeple 



He shall be lasht in sight of all the people. 



And if you leave your ropes upon the ground. 



Or wet or dirt on them, you shall be bound. 



If in the church you do Tobacko take, 



Vou shall for every pipe one penny stake : 



1 1 is against the Commons of this nation ; 



Besides, it is a very vgly fation (fashion). 



If any in our company sit down 



He shall pay part, or else I'll call him ' clown ' : 



Tis all our mindes to give to him one glass 



To which he's welcome, and so let him pass. 



Each Monday night, I'd have th'old ringers ring, 



And every Thursday, the young ones have their swing. 



'1 here's one thing more you Ringers must remember 



1 hat to our landlord, yes, we must be kinder ; 



That's when we've money given us for ringing 



They may have parts by turns else needs have flinging. 



Three, and a shot-pot, is our due to have: 



He that saith 'no,' the rest will call him knave. 



Be all agreed ; — assent and consent granting, 



And on my part, there shall be nothing wanting. 



And to conclude, — I wish you strength— And hope 



A store of money : but, beware the rope. 



By me Leonard Whcatcioft, Gierke 



The Twelve Articles for all Ringers to be sworne vnto : — 



1. Ffirst, you are to be diligent and obedient vnto your 

 Clarke, giving him half a duzen of ale at your entrance. 



2. You are to be carefull you doe not foule the Church for 

 displeasing y° Saxtone. 



3. You are to observe all the times herafter nominated; that 

 is to say, for the first yeare, you are to help to ring the first and 

 second peales every Sunday or Holy-day at 7 and 8 o'clock in 

 the morning. 



4. At nine o'clock to be ready to ring the sarmon-bell, and 

 chime all in. 



5. You are to be carefull and knit up your roapes when you 

 have done that thev be not troden under foot. 



