BROOM BUSOMS.
Reading edition
If ye want a busom[47] for to sweep your house, Come to me, my lasses—ye may hae your choose. Buy broom busoms, buy them when they're new— Buy broom busoms—better never grew. If I had a horse, I would have a cart; If I had a wife, she would take my part. Buy broom, &c. Had I but a wife—I care not who she be; If she be a woman, that's enough for me. Buy broom, &c. If she lik'd a drop, her and I'd agree; If she did not like it, there's the more for me. Buy broom, &c.
The following Verses, in addition to the above, were often sung by the late Blind Willie, of Newcastle:—
Up the Butcher-bank, and down Byker-chare, There you'll see the lasses selling brown ware. Buy broom, &c. Along the Quayside, stop at Russell's Entry: There you'll see the beer-drawer, she is standing sentry. Buy broom, &c. If you want an oyster for to taste your mouth, Call at Handy Walker's—he's a bonny youth. Buy broom, &c. Call at Mr. Loggie's—he does sell good wine; There you'll see the beer-drawer—she is very fine. Buy broom, &c. If you want an orange, ripe and full of juice, Gan to Hannah Black, there you'll get your choose. Buy broom, &c. Call at Mr. Turner's, at the Queen's Head— He'll not set you away without a piece of bread. Buy broom, &c. Down the river's side, as far as Dent's Hole, There you'll see the cuckolds working at the coal. Buy broom, &c.