Song, Chant, Poetry, Stories and Satire for the Pagan Community

This entry made: 01/05/2000

Title: The Pace-Egging Song
Lyrics by: traditional British Morris dancing song
Tune: traditional
Date:
Source: http://www.leafworks.com/oracle/tlo8/page17.html
Recorded on: "Once Around the Wheel," Ian Corrigan, 1987 (Association for Consciousness Exploration, 1643 Lee Rd #9, Cleveland Heights, OH 44118); "Frost and Fire: A Calendar of Ritual and Magical Songs," The Waterson Family, 1965.
Subject:

Chorus:	Here's one, two, three jolly lads all in one line.  
	We are come a-pace-egging and we hope you'll prove kind.  
	And we hope you'll prove kind with your eggs and strong beer.  
	For we'll come no more nigh you until the next year.

And the first that comes in is Lord Nelson you see.  
With a bunch of blue ribbons tied round by his knee.  
And the star on his breast and like silver does shine, 
and I hope he remembers it's pace-egging time!

And the next that comes in it is Lord Collinwood, 
and he fought with Lord Nelson 'til he shed his blood.  
And he's come from the sea, all England to view, 
and he's come a-pace-egging with all of his crew!

And the last that comes in is old Tolspot(1) you'll see.  
He's a valiant old man (but he's never been to sea!) (2)
He's a valiant old man and he wears a pigtail, 
and all his delight is in drinking strong ale!

Come ladies and gentlemen sit by the fire.  
Put your hands in your pockets and give us our desire.  
Put your hands in your pockets and treat us allright.  
If you'll give not we'll take naught, farewell and goodnight!

(1) also known as "Tosspot"
(2) Or "He's a valiant old man and in every degree."

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