PLEASE draw near and the truth you'll hear,

Of a farmer who lived in Hertfordshire,

A fine Yorkshire boy he had for his man,

For to do his work—his name it was Dan.

One morning right early he called for his man,

And when he came to him he thus began:—

Says he, "Take this cow this day to the fair,

She is in good order and I can her well spare."

Away went the boy with the cow in a band,

And he came to the fair as you shall understand,

And in a short time he met with three men,

And there sold his cow for six pounds ten.

He went to the ale-house in order to drink,

Where the farmer he paid down the boy all his chink,

The boy to the mistress this he did say,

"Now what shall I do with my money, I pray?"

"I'll sew it up in thy coat lining," said she,

"For fear on the road thou robbed should be."

And there sat a highwayman drinking of wine,

Thought he to himself this money is mine.

The boy took his leave and homeward did go,

The highwayman soon followed after also,

He soon overtook him upon the highway,

"You are well overtaken, young man," he did say.

"Will you get up behind me?" the highwayman said

"How far are you going?" replied the lad.

They rode till they came to a very dark lane,

"Now," says the highwayman, "I will tell you plain,

Deliver your money without fear or strife,

Or else I will certainly take your sweet life."

The boy found that there was no time for dispute,

And so he alighted without fear or doubt;

He tore his coat lining, the money pulled out,

And amongst the long grass he strewed it about.

The highwayman also jumped down from his horse,

But little did he dream that it was for his loss;

But before they could find all the money, they say

The boy jumped on horseback and so rode away.

The highwayman shouted and begg'd him to stay,

But the boy would not hear him so kept on his way,

And to his old master the whole he did bring,

Horse, saddle, and bridle, a very fine thing.

The master he came to the door and said thus:—

"What the deuce! has my cow turned into a horse?"

"Oh, no, canny master, your cow I have sold,

But was robbed on the road by a highwayman bold.

"My money I strewed about on the ground,

For to take it up the rogue lighted down,

And while he was popping it into his purse,

To make him amends I came off with his horse."

The master he laughed till his sides he had to hold,

He says, "For a boy thou hast been very bold;

And as for the villain thou hast served him right,

Thou hast put upon him a clean Yorkshire bite."

He searched his bags and quickly he told,

Two hundred pounds in silver and gold,

And two brace of pistols; the lad said, "I vow,

I think, canny master, I've sold well your cow."

Then the boy for his courage and valour so rare,

Three parts of the money he got for his share;

Now since the highwayman has lost all his store,

He may go a robbing until he gets more.