OLD DORSET SONGS. 29 



Now the next place as I went to work, it were at Farmer 



Tower's, 



He vowed and sweared and then declared, I were a first-rate hoer. 

 Now the next place as I went to work, I took it by the job, 

 But if I'd ha' knowed it a little afore, I'd sooner been in quod. 



Chorus. 



When I was over at yonder farm, they sent for I a'-mowin', 

 But I sent word back I'd sooner have the sack than lose my 



turmut-hoeing. 



Now all you jolly farming lads as bides at home so warm, 

 I now concludes my ditty with wishing you no harm. 



Chorus. 



IV. NAUTICAL FOLK-SONGS. As Dorset possesses a sea- 

 coast, it is more than likely that there are many old sea songs 

 in the county needing to be sought out. Here is one, which 

 comes from Buckland Newton. 



THE CROCODILE. 



Now listen, you landsmen, unto me, to tell you the truth I'm 



bound, 

 What happened to me by going to sea, and the wonders that I 



found : 



Shipwrecked I was once off Perouse and cast upon the shore, 

 So then I did resolve to roam, the country to explore. 



Chorus. 



To my rit fal lal li bollem tit ! to my rit fal lal li dee ! 

 To my rit fal lal li bollem tit ! to my rit fal lal li dee ! 



'Twas far I had not scouted out when close alongside the ocean 

 I saw something move which at first I thought was all the world 



in motion ; 



But steering up close alongside I found 'twas a crocodile, 

 And from his nose to the tip of his tail he measured five hundred 



mile. 



Chorus. 



