[THIS is a countryman’s whistling song, and the only one of the kind which we remember to have heard. It is very ancient, and a great favourite. The farmer’s wife has an adventure somewhat resembling the hero’s in the burlesque version of _Don Giovanni_. The tune is _Lilli burlero_, and the song is sung as follows:—the first line of each verse is given as a solo; then the tune is continued by a chorus of whistlers, who whistle that portion of the air which in _Lilli burlero_ would be sung to the words, _Lilli burlero bullen a la_. The songster then proceeds with the tune, and sings the whole of the verse through, after which the strain is resumed and concluded by the whistlers. The effect, when accompanied by the strong whistles of a group of lusty countrymen, is very striking, and cannot be adequately conveyed by description. This song constitutes the ‘traditionary verses’ upon which Burns founded his _Carle of Killyburn Braes_.] THERE was an old farmer in Sussex did dwell, [_Chorus of whistlers_.] There was an old farmer in Sussex did dwell, And he had a bad wife, as many knew well. [_Chorus of whistlers_.] Then Satan came to the old man at the plough,— ‘One of your family I must have now. ‘It is not your eldest son that I crave, But it is your old wife, and she I will have.’ ‘O, welcome! good Satan, with all my heart, I hope you and she will never more part.’ Now Satan has got the old wife on his back, And he lugged her along, like a pedlar’s pack. He trudged away till they came to his hall-gate, Says he, ‘Here! take in an old Sussex chap’s mate!’ O! then she did kick the young imps about,— Says one to the other, ‘Let’s try turn her out.’ She spied thirteen imps all dancing in chains, She up with her pattens, and beat out their brains. She knocked the old Satan against the wall,— ‘Let’s try turn her out, or she’ll murder us all!’ Now he’s bundled her up on his back amain, And to her old husband he took her again. ‘I have been a tormenter the whole of my life, But I ne’er was tormenter till I met with your wife.’ OLD WICHET AND HIS WIFE. [THIS song still retains its popularity in the North of England, and, when sung with humour, never fails to elicit roars of laughter. A Scotch version may be found in Herd’s Collection, 1769, and also in Cunningham’s _Songs of England and Scotland_, London, 1835. We cannot venture to give an opinion as to which is the original; but the English set is of unquestionable antiquity. Our copy was obtained from Yorkshire. It has been collated with one printed at the Aldermary press, and preserved in the third volume of the Roxburgh Collection. The tune is peculiar to the song.]