The Cheaters Cheated: V. The Carman's Whistle

Tune: The Carman’s Whistle

Enter Moll Medlar carrying a basket

Mol: Soldiers fight and Hectors rant on

Whilst poor wenches go to rack

Who would be a wicked wanton

Onley for suppers, songs and sack?

To endure the alteration

Of these times that are so dead,

Thus to lead a long vacation

Without money, beer and bread.

Farewell Bloomsbury and Sodom,

Lukeners Lane and Turnbull Street [well-known London hangouts for whores]

Woe was me when I first trod ’em

With my wilde unwary feet.

I was born a Gentlewoman,

But our family did fall

When the gentry’s coin grew common,

And the souldiers shar’d it all.

I was sure unto a Hector

Who hath basely broke his vow;

Would I had a good projector

That would well support me now. Enter Wat

Who comes here? What simple Thumkin,

Oh! I guess him by his coat,

This is sure some Countrey Bumkin

Now ’tis time to change my note.