T. R. Smith, comp. Poetica Erotica: Rare and Curious Amatory Verse. 1921–22.
When As I Do Record
Percy’s Folio Manuscript(Anonymous. Before 1650. Vol. IV) |
WHEN as I do record | |
| the pleasures I have had | |
| At this side slippery board, | |
| my mind is merry and glad. | |
| With many a lusty lass | 5 |
| my pleasure I have tane: | |
| I would give mine old white Jade | |
| that Jenny were here again! | |
| She brews and bakes to sell | |
| for such as do pass by; | 10 |
| Good fellows love her well; | |
| in faith and so do I! | |
| For ever when I was dry, | |
| of drink I would have tane, | |
| I would tread both shoes awry, | 15 |
| that Jenny, etc. | |
| Full oft she and I | |
| within the buttery played | |
| At tray tripe of a dye, | |
| and sent away the maid. | 20 |
| For she is of the dealing trade, | |
| she will give you three for one; | |
| She is no sullen Jade; | |
| giff Jenny, etc. | |
| A man might for a penny | 25 |
| have had a pot of ale, | |
| And tasted of a Coney | |
| of either leg or tail; | |
| For she would never fail | |
| if she were in the vain. | 30 |
| Alas, all flesh were frail | |
| giff Jenny, etc. | |
| Full oft I have been her man, | |
| her market for to make; | |
| And after I have ridden | 35 |
| a journey for her sake, | |
| Her panell I could take, | |
| and gallop all amain; | |
| I’d make both bedsides crack | |
| that Jenny, etc. | 40 |
| You hostesses that mean | |
| for to live by your trade, | |
| If you scorn to kiss, | |
| then keep a pretty maid! | |
| For drink is not worth a lowse | 45 |
| if lasses there be none! | |
| I would drink a whole carouse | |
| that Jenny were here again! | |