Lyrics:

The Jovial Begger (yes spelt er)
Anon., from Playford's Choice Ayres, Songs and Dialogues

There was a Jovial Begger,
He had a wooden Leg;
Lame from his Cradle,
And forced for to beg.
And a begging we will go, we'll go,
And a begging we will go.
A bag for his Oatmeal,
Another for his Salt;
And a pair of Crutches
To shew that he can halt.
And a begging we will go, we'll go,
And a begging we will go.

A bag for his Wheat,
And another for his Rye;
A little Bottle by his side,
To drink when he's a-dry.
And a begging we will go, we'll go,
And a begging we will go.

To Pimblico we'll go,
Where we shall merry be;
With ev'ry Man a can in's hand,
And a Wench upon his Knee.
And a begging we will go, we'll go,
And a begging we will go.
I begg'd for my Master,
And got him store of Pelf;
But Jove now be praised,
I now beg for my self.
And a begging we will go, we'll go,
And a begging we will go.
In a hollow Tree
I live, and pay no Rent;
Providence provides for me,
And I am well content.
And a begging we will go, we'll go,
And a begging we will go.

Of all Occupations,
A Begger lives the best;
For when he's tired and weary
He'll lye him down and rest.
And a begging we will go, we'll go,
And a begging we will go.

I fear no Plots against me,
I live in open Cell;
Then who would be a King,
When he Beggers live so well.
And a begging we will go, we'll go,
And a begging we will go.