I have my shifts about me, Like _Proteus_ often changing, My shape when I will I alter still, About the country ranging: As soon as I a Coatch see, Or Gallants by come riding, I take my Crotch, And rouse from my Couch, Whereas I lay abiding. _And still doe cry, &c._ Now as a wandring Souldier, (That has i' th' warres bin maymed With the shot of a Gunne) To Gallants I runne, And begg, sir, helpe the lamed: I am a poore old Souldier And better times once viewed, Though bare now I goe, Yet many a foe, By me hath been subdued. _And therefore I cry &c._ Although I nere was further, Than Kentish-street in Southwarke, Nor ere did see A Battery Made against any bulwarke; But with my Tricks and Doxes, Lay in some corner lurking, And nere went abroad, But to beg on the road, To keep my selfe from working: _And alwaies to cry &c._ Anon I'm like a saylor And weare old Canvas cloathing, And then I say The Dunkerks away, Took all and left me nothing: Sixe ships set all upon us, 'Gainst which we bravely ventur'd And long withstood, Yet could doe no good, Our ship at length they enter'd _And therefore I cry &c._ Sometime I like a Criple Upon the ground lye crawling, For money I begge, As wanting a legge To beare my corps from falling: Then seeme I weake of body, And long t' have beene diseased, And make complaint As ready to faint, And of my griefs increased. _And faintly I cry &c._ My flesh I can so temper, That it shall seeme to feister And looke all ore, Like a raw sore, Whereon I stick a plaister: With blood I daub my face then, To faigne the falling sicknesse, That in every place They pitty my case, As if it came from weaknesse. _And then I doe cry &c._ Then as if my sight I wanted, A Boy doth walke beside me, Or else I doe Grope as I goe, Or have a dog to guide me: And when I'm thus accounted, To th' highway side I hye me, And there I stand With Cords in my hand, And beg of all comes nye me. _And earnestly cry &c._ Next to some country fellow I presently am turned, And cry alacke, With a Child at my back, My house and goods were burned: Then me my Doxes follow, Who for my Wifes believed, And along wee two Together goe, With such mischances grieved. _And still we doe cry &c._