The Black Man: IX. The Gelding of the Devil

Tune: The Gelding of the Devil

The Black Man: Black do I cry, will you any of me buy?

Look on my wares, and view them all well!

Cloathes I do want and my money is scant,

and my trade, pox on’t, is but poor and bare.

Buy my black ware! Maidens if you will,

come and try your skill! I have black,

buy my black, the best that ever you did lack!

Come a-swop—be it old boots or shooes!

Handsil not refuse! Come buy my black tinderbox—

what is’t you lack? How long shall I call and cry

e’re handsil I take? Maidens, buy!

Thumpkin: Ho, Ho, Ho!

The Black Man: But ah, to me, what’s this I see,

My mirth and glee is turn’d to grief!

Oh, gentle spright, thy ghastly sight

Does me affright, what shall I do?