THE HONEST MILLER OF GLOUCESTERSHIRE. A TRUE BALLAD. Of all the callings and the trades The lord or squire of high degree Because he lets the land he owns The farmer, he manures the land, And though no wealth he has, except The thresher, he is useful too The chaff would spoil the wheat. But vain the squire's and farmer's care, And vain, without the miller's aid, The sowing and the dressing: Then sure an honest miller, he Must be a public blessing. And such a miller now I make The subject of my song, Which, though it shall be very true, This miller lives in Glo'stershire : For those who seek the praise of God, In last hard winter—who forgets Then was all dismal, scarce, and dear, Then husbandry long time stood still, Our miller dwelt beside a stream, Which flowed amain when others froze, The clam'rous people came from far Both rich and poor our miller sought, His neighbors cried, "Now, miller, seize For folks, when tempted to grow rich, Oft make their numerous babes a plea Our miller scorned such counsel base; "When God afflicts the land," said he, And watch for times of public wo, "Thankful to that Almighty Power I'll use the means he gives to soothe PROPER TO BE SUNG AT ALL FEASTS AND MERRY MEETINGS THERE was a heathen man, sir, Belonging to a king; And still it was his plan, sir, To covet every thing. And if you don't believe me, I'll name him, if you please; He thought that jolly living Must every joy afford; While round the festive board. He wanted to be great, sir, And feed on fare delicious, And have his feasts in state, sir, Just like King Dionysius. The king, to cure his longing, And there, to tempt his eye, sir, There stood the brimming bowl. Nor did the king forbid him O then to see the pleasure With greedy eyes the squire You'd think he did aspire To eat as much as twenty. But, just as he prepared, sir, When he to eat intended, |