T. R. Smith, comp. Poetica Erotica: Rare and Curious Amatory Verse. 1921–22.
When As I Do Record
Percys 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! | |