118 THE COMPLETE ANGLER 



and in the high road towards London ; and he therefore 

 desired them to spend no more time about that and such 

 like questions, but refer all to father Clause at night, for 

 he was an upright judge, and in the meantime draw cuts, 

 what song should be next sung, and who should sing it. 

 They all agreed to the motion ; and the lot fell to her that 

 was the youngest and veriest virgin of the company. 

 And she sung Frank Davison's song, which he made 

 forty years ago ; and all the others of the company joined 

 to sing the burthen with her. The ditty was this : but 

 first the burthen : 



Bright shines the sun ; play, beggars, play 1 

 Here's scraps enough to serve to-day. 



What noise of viols is so sweet, 



As when our merry clappers ring ? 

 What mirth doth want when beggars meet ? 



A beggar's life is for a king. 

 Eat, drink, and play, sleep when we list, 

 Go where we will so stocks be miss'd. 



Bright shines the sun ; play, beggars, play 1 



Here's scraps enough to serve to-day. 



The world is ours, and ours alone ; 



For we alone have world at will. 

 We purchase not all is our own ; 



Both fields and streets we beggars fill. 



Bright shines the sun ; play, beggars, play 1 



Here's scraps enough to serve to-day. 



A hundred herds of black and white 



Upon our gowns securely feed ; 

 And yet if any dare us bite, 



He dies, therefore, as sure as creed. 

 Thus beggars lord it as they please, 

 And only beggars live at ease. 



Bright shines the sun ; play, beggars, play I 



Here's scraps enough to serve to-day. 



VEN. I thank you, good master, for this piece of 



