Sir Neil and Glengyle, the Highand chieftains (1)/The drunken exciseman

For other versions of this work, see The Drunken Exciseman.

THE DRUNKEN EXCISEMAN.

———

I know that young folks like to hear & new song,
Of something that's funny and not very long,
It is of an Exciseman, the truth I will tell,
Who thought that one night he was going to hell.
Fal de lal, &c.

One night he went out to look for his prey,
He did meet with some smugglers as I heard them say,
In tasting the liquors they were going to sell,
The Exciseman got drunk, the truth I will tell.

He got so intoxicated, he fell to the ground,
And like a fat sow he was forced to lie down,
Just nigh to a coal pit the Exciseman did lie,
When four or five colliers by chance did come by.

They shouldered him up, and hoised him away,
Like a pedlar's pack without any dclay,
Into the bucket they handed him down,
This jolly Exciseman they got under ground.

The Exciseman awakened with terrible fear,
Up started a collier, says, what brought you here?
Indeed, Mr. Devil, I don't very well know,
But I think I am come to the regions below.

Says the collier, what was you in the world above ?
I was an Exciseman, and few did me love;
Indeed, Mr. Devil, the truth I will tell,
Since I have got here, I will be what you will.

Since you're an Exciseman, here you must remain,
You will never get out of this dark cell again;
The gates they are fast, and bind you secure,
All this you must suffer for robbing the poor.

Indeed, Mr, Devil, if you'll pity me,
No more will I rob the poor you shall see;
If you will look over as you've done before,
I never will rob the poor any more.

Come, give me your money which now I demand,
Before you can get to the Christian land;
O yes, Mr. Devil, the Exciseman did say,
I wish to get back for to see light of day.