  Tradition tells us that near the Dropping Well, at Knaresborough, this famous Yorkshire Sybil was born, about the year 1487; she married Tobias Shipton, a carpenter of Shipton, near York; and from this match derived the name of Mother Shipton. Many tales of her skill in futurity are still related in the county; the whole of which, including a series of succeeding events, are stated to have been delivered to the abbot of Beverley, as in the following:— "A maiden queen full many a year, Shall England's warlike sceptre bear." Spoken of queen Elizabeth, that was beloved by her subjects, and dreaded by her enemies, above forty years. "The western monarch's wooden horses, Shall be destroy'd by Drake's forces." The king of Spain's mighty armada, in 1588, was destroyed by the English fleet. "Triumphant death rides London thro', And men on tops of houses go." The first line points to the great sickness in London, in 1665; the second to the dreadful fire in the following year. This famous prophetess died in the fifty-ninth year of her age, fulfilling her own prediction, even to the day and hour. On her tomb was placed this epitaph:— Here lies she who seldom ly'd, Whose skill so often has been try'd. Her Prophecies shall still survive, And ever keep her name alive. To the tune of "Nancy Dawson."I. Of all the pretty pantomimes That have been seen or sung in rhimes, Since famous Johnny Rich's times, There's none like Mother Shipton. She pleases folks of every class, She makes her swans and ducklings pass; She shows her hog, she shows her ass, Oh, charming Mother Shipton! II. Near to the famous dropping well She first drew breath, as records tell, And had good beer and ale to sell, As ever tongue was tipt on; Her dropping well itself is seen, Quaint gobblins hobble round their queen, And little fairies tread the green, Call'd forth by Mother Shipton. III. Oh, London is a charming place! Yet grumble not ye critick race, Tho' mansion house is seen to grace The streets in Mother Shipton! You think a blunder you descry: Yet you might see with half an eye 'Tis Mother Shipton's prophecy— Oh, charming Mother Shipton! IV. Come, jolly tars and sailors staunch, Oh, come with us and see the launch! 'Twill feast your eyes, and fill your paunch, As done by Mother Shipton. The shores give way the hulk that prop— Huzza! the ship is launch'd—and pop! 'Tis turn'd into a baker's shop— Oh, charming Mother Shipton! V. Then after several wonders past, To Yorkshire all return at last, And in a coal pit they are cast— Oh, won'ous Mother Shipton! Yet she redeems them every soul: And here's the moral of the whole— 'Tis Mother Shipton brings the cole: Oh, charming Mother Shipton! |
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