The value of this volume consists in the genuineness of its contents, and the healthiness of its tone. While fashionable life was masquerading in imaginary Arcadias, and deluging theatres and concert rooms with shams, the English peasant remained true to the realities of his own experience, and produced and sang songs which faithfully reflected the actual life around him. Whatever these songs describe is true to that life. There are no fictitious raptures in them. Love here never dresses its emotions in artificial images, nor disguises itself in the mask of a Strephon or a Daphne. It is in this particular aspect that the poetry of the country possesses a permanent and moral interest. R. B. Poems. THE PLAIN-DEALING MAN. [THE oldest copy of the _Plain Dealing Man_ with which we have been able to meet is in black letter, printed by T. Vere at the sign ‘Of the Angel without Newgate.’ Vere was living in 1609.] A CROTCHET comes into my mind Concerning a proverb of old, Plain dealing’s a jewel most rare, And more precious than silver or gold: And therefore with patience give ear, And listen to what here is penned, These verses were written on purpose The honest man’s cause to defend. For this I will make it appear, And prove by experience I can, ’Tis the excellen’st thing in the world To be a plain-dealing man. Yet some are so impudent grown, They’ll domineer, vapour, and swagger, And say that the plain-dealing man Was born to die a beggar: But men that are honestly given Do such evil actions detest, And every one that is well-minded Will say that plain dealing is best. For this I will make it appear, And prove by experience I can, ’Tis the excellen’st thing in the world To be a plain-dealing man. For my part I am a poor man, And sometimes scarce muster a shilling, Yet to live upright in the world, Heaven knows I am wondrous willing. Although that my clothes be threadbare, And my calling be simple and poor, Yet will I endeavour myself To keep off the wolf from the door. For this I will make it appear, And prove by experience I can, ’Tis the excellen’st thing in the world To be a plain-dealing man. And now, to be brief in discourse, In plain terms I’ll tell you my mind; My qualities you shall all know, And to what my humour’s inclined: I hate all dissembling base knaves And pickthanks whoever they be, And for painted-faced drabs, and such like, They shall never get penny of me. For this I will make it appear, And prove by experience I can, ’Tis the excellen’st thing in the world To be a plain-dealing man.