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| I HAVE a startling tale to tell | |
| Of what in Bodmin town befell | |
| In the distant time long, long ago, | |
| When every man was his neighbor’s foe, | |
| And lords like tigers prowled the land, | 5 |
| Each with his own well-chosen band, | |
| To do his work of savagery; | |
| When princes fought for sovereignty; | |
| Who loyal was to-day to-morrow | |
| Might be called traitor, to his sorrow. | 10 |
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| In Edward’s time, at Bodmin town | |
| When sturdy Boyer wore the gown, | |
| The Royal provost wrote a line | |
| He on a day with him would dine, | |
| And begged he would meanwhile prepare | 15 |
| A gibbet for some stout rebels there. | |
| The mayor obeyed him to the letter, | |
| Thinking the strongest side the better; | |
| And, to meet the great man, at the gate | |
| His worship stood in all his state. | 20 |
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| And then into the common hall | |
| Mayor, provost, aldermen, burghers all | |
| Went with a rush and made good cheer, | |
| With beef and venison, wine and beer; | |
| And many a loyal toast was given, | 25 |
| And fear and doubt away were driven | |
| With bumpers full and foaming high: | |
| Yet wicked looked the provost’s eye, | |
| But he laughed, and did not spare the sherry, | |
| While the mayor and aldermen were merry. | 30 |
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| But while they feast within, without | |
| Hammers were heard, and then a shout | |
| Told that the gibbet was finished then. | |
| Forth came the mayor and aldermen, | |
| And burghers all, and the provost stern, | 35 |
| Who had set his mind to make return | |
| To the mayor for his hospitality; | |
| And how ’t was done you soon will see, | |
| For on the gibbet, at his own door, | |
| His worship swung in a moment more! | 40 |
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