Bursledon Mummer.

BURSLEDON,
HAMPSHIRE.

Four and three-quarter miles from Southampton.

Communicated by Captain Kettlewell. The manuscript, which is in an illiterate hand, is written as prose, but with occasional stops at the end of lines. Each speech down to nine inclusive is called a Part.

Part I.
In comes I poor old Father Christmas. Welcome or welcome not. I hope poor old Father Christmas will never be forgot He come wandering and tendering down from the city of London town he is just now turned into his 99 years of age. And he can hop skip and jump like a blackbird in a cage Room Room Ladys and Gentlemen an Room I do decray Walk in King George and boldly clear the way.

Part II.
In comes I King George that valent man of corage bold let their blood be ever so hot I quickly fetch it cold.

Part III.
In comes I turkey snipe Just come from these turkey lands all for to fight. I'll fight thee King George that valent man of corage bold If your blood be ever so hot I will quickly fetch it cold.

Part IV.
Oh you proud and pard and turkey snipe draw out your sword and fight. Pull out your purse and pay. For satisfaction I will have before you go away.

Part V.
No satisfaction will I give nor money will I pay you but your body I will have this night before I go away.

Part VI.
Oh you turkey snipe go home to your own lands to fight and tell the Americans what I have done I've killed ten thousand to your one.

Part VII.
Oh Doctor Doctor is there a Doctor to be found can quickly rise my noble son that lies bleeding on the ground. Oh yes there is a Doctor to be found that can quickly rise your noble son that lies bleeding on the ground.

Part VIII.
What is your fees Mr Doctor ten guineas is my fees. but full and fifty I will have of thee being a poor man and that I will have before I go away. No such money as that you will have of me.

Part IX.
Don't run away I will be satisfied with half of it.

Well Doctor what can you cure. I have a little bottle in my pocket what we call welecome pain Which will cure the itch stitch pausy and the gout Raging pains both in and out are leg broke are arm broke neck broke are his nose swelled as a tan leathern bottle I drop one drop on his head and one on his heart Rise up young man and play your part. how long have I been laying on this blessed floor I havee havee hagged I been drayed I have been drayed from door to door tomorrow morning at the Hour of five I'll meet thee King George if I'm alive.

Oh turkey snipe go home to your own lands an fight and tell all what I done I have killed ten thousand to your one.

Oh parden me King George oh parden me I pray Oh parden me for ever more and I'll be thy turkey slave home goes I with my strict discharge God bless the Turks likewise King George.

In comes I little Johnne man with a glittering sword all in my Hand. If are man wants to fight let him come on.

In comes I the valent soldier bold Slasher is my name. With my broad sword and cutlash and buckle by my side I hope to win the game twas I that fought the fiery dragon and by those weary means I won the King of Egypt's daughter.

In comes I soldier bold As I was walking along the road I heard great talks and Wonders of that man of corage bold let his blood be ever so hot I'll quickly fetch it cold.

In comes I little Johnne Jack with the wife and family at my back although I am so verry small I am the biggest Rogue amongest you all When I walks I walks abroad When I sets I sets at ease Ladys and Gentlemen give the Christmass boys what you please a pot of your good ale would make us whisel and sing money in Xms box is a very fine thing Roast Beef and plum pudding and Xms pie who likes that Letter than old Father Xms and I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I.

Found in:

Tiddy R. J. E. (1923) The Mummers' Play. Oxford University press.



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