A BALLAD

There was three kings into the east,

Thrce kings both great and high, And they hae sworn a solemn oath

John Barleycom should die.

They took a plough, and plough'd him down^

Put clods upon his bead; And they hae sworn a solemn oath, John Barleycom was dead.

But the cheerful spring came kindly 0I1|

And show'rs began to fall :

John Barleycom got up again

And sore surpris'd themall.

The sultry suns of summer came

And he grew thick and stroug, His head weel arm'd wi' pointed spcar^

That no one should him wrong.

The sober Autumu enter'd mild, Wèen be grew wauand p^ ;