Being a merry composed Jest of Five Taylors that had been at work till their Wages came to 5 pounds, likewise a merry conceited Cook-maid that lived in the house, went to her Master, and desired him to lend her a horse, and she would venture her skill to take the 5 pounds from these five Taylors, without either Sword or Pistol, in a jesting way, to make her Master some sport and to show her valour: her Master loving mirth more than sadness, agreed to it; so a Horse was sadled, and other things to disguise herself, because she might not be known: away she went (it being in the Evening) and met them before they got home, with nothing in her hand but a black pudding, the faint hearted Taylors delivered her their Money very quietly, for fear they should a been shot through with a Black Pudding, and what followed after is expressed in the following Ditty. Tune is Ragged & Torn. With Allowance. [Illustration][F. 206] I'le tell you a pretty fine jest, [107.] if that you do please it to hear, For the truth on't I do protest, I'm sure that you need not to fear: It is of a valiant Cook-maid, that lived at a Nobleman's place And five Taylors that once was afraid when as they lookt her in the face. _O this was a valiant Cook-maid, without either Pistol or Gun, But with a Black Pudding did fright, five Taylors and put them to th' run._ This Noble-man upon a time, had great store of work for to do, But to bring every thing into rhyme, 'twill study my brains you must know; Five Taylors that lived hard by, that worked for fourpence a day, For Beef and for Pudding at night, they'd better do so than to play. _O this &c._ These Taylors a great while did work, two Masters, and their three men, They laboured as hard as a Turk, with Stitching both too and agen; And when that their work it was done, their money unto them was told, Full five good pounds it is known, Of Silver, but not of red Gold. _O this &c_ And when as their money they'd got, then who was so jocond as they, Each Man of the best drank his pot, and homewards they straight took their way; A Cook-Maid there was in the house, that us'd full merry to be, Who went to her Master in haste, and these words unto him did say. _O this &c._ Master, if that you please, some pastime I for you will make But to lend me a horse then (quoth she) and this money I from them will take; Her Master, then hearing the jest, would try what this Cook-maid could do, Some mirth he did think it the best, as Gentlemen will do, you know. _O this &c._