The below poem is a copy of the lyrics to a Steeleye Span song that can be found on three of their albums. All of which are out of print. I have the album that it first appeared on. Folk Songs of Olde England Vol 1. A compilation that appeared later was The Best of & The Rest of Steeleye Span. Another was Steeleye Span The Early Years

I do not know the history of the song so can not tell you how old it is or where it was created. All I know is that Steeleye Span recorded it.

My Lady wife attempted singing it one night at an event. Unfortunately there were some factors that interfered. It was her first time doing that and nerves caused a problem. Also it was cold and the cold affects her voice and sinuses.

It is posted here for your enjoyment.

Kestrel of Wales
MKA Bryan S. McDaniel

The Brisk Butcher

It's of a brisk young butcher as I have heard them say
He started out of London town all on a certain day
Says he "A frolic I will have, my fortune for to try
I will go into Leicestershire some cattle for to buy"


When he arrived at Leicester town he came into an inn
He called for an hostler and boldly he walked in
he called for liquor of the best, he being a roving blade
and quickly fixed his eyes upon the lovely chambermaid


When she took up a candle to light him up to bed
And when she came into the room, these words to her he said:
"One sovereign I will give to you all to enjoy your charms"
And this fair maid all night to sleep all in the butcher's arms


'Twas early the next morning he prepared to go away
The landlord said "Your reckoning, sir, you have forgot to pay"
"Oh, no", the butcher did reply "pray do not think it strange
One sovereign I gave your maid and I haven't got my change"


They straight way called the chambermaid and charged her with the same
The golden sovereighn she laid down, prepared she'd get the blame
The butcher then went home, well pleased with what was passed
And soon this pretty chambermaid grew thick about the waist


'Twas in a twelve months after he came to town again
and then as he had done before he stopped at that same inn
'Twas then the buxom chambermaid she chanced him for to see
She bought a babe just three months old and placed him on his knee


The butcher sat like one amazed and at the child did stare
But when the joke he did find out, how he did stamp and swear
She said "Kind sir, it is your own, pray do not think it strange
One sovereign you gave to me and here I've brought your change"


So come all you brisk and lively blades I pray be ruled by me
Look well into your bargains before your money pay
Or soon perhaps your folly will give you cause to range
If ever you sport with pretty maids be sure to get your change


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