Part 2 — No 98 THE BARLEY STRAW

1 As Jan was hurrying down the glade, He met his sweetheart Kit; "O whither so fast?" the maiden ask'd, "Let's bide and talk a bit." "I'm going to the barn, and if you'll come, And help me thresh the stro', That task complete, why then my sweet, A ramble we will go." 2 She gave consent, to work they went, As if 'twere only play; The flail he plied, whilst Kit untied, The sheaves, and cleared away. O willing hands made labour light, And 'ere the sun was low, With arms entwined, these lovers kind, Did down the vallies go. 3 Said Jan, "Thou art a helpful lass, Wilt thou be mine for life?" "For sure!" she said. To church they sped, And soon were man and wife. A lesson then, for all young men Who would a courting go, Your sweetheart ask to share your task, And thresh the Barley Stro'. 4 Now many a year, this couple dear, They lived in harmony; And children had, both lass and lad, I think 'twas thirty-three. The sons so hale did wield the flail, And like their father grow; The maidens sweet, like mother were neat: And clean as the Barley Stro'.