Of the quaint old ballads, written mostly in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, a splendid collection was made by the Earl of Oxford (born in 1661), to whom we are also indebted for the Harleian MSS., now in the British Museum. These ballads are known as the _Roxburghe Collection_, and a selection of them is given in this chapter, together with facsimile reproductions of the curious woodcuts with which the originals are adorned.[62] [62] Most of the Roxburghe Ballads have been reprinted by the Ballad Society, and for the very scanty information we have been able to gather concerning them we are in a great measure indebted to the Editors of these reprints. Our illustrations have been taken in every case from the original ballads, and are, we believe, the only exact facsimile reproductions in existence. The most important ballad connected with the subject of ale and beer is _Sir John Barley-corne_, of which there are many versions. It seems very probable that the original is not in existence, for at a very early date songs bearing the same name, and containing in effect the same words, were known both in the North of England and in the West Country. In later editions of Sir John Barley-corne old printers seem to have frequently varied the text, and in recent times Burns has recast the verses of the old ballad. The version given below is the oldest in the _Roxburghe Collection_, and must have been written at some time previous to the reign of James I. To anyone who has perused these pages so far, the pretty allegory contained in the ballad will not require explanation, but it may be well to point out that Sir John is the grain of barley which the farmer, the maltster, the miller, and the brewer do their best to destroy. However, after having forced Sir John to go through the various processes of agriculture, malting, and brewing, a friend, Thomas Good-ale, comes to the poor fellow’s assistance with mickle might, and takes “their tongues away, their legs or else their sight.” The illustration is taken from a later version. SIR JOHN BARLEY-CORNE. A pleasant new Ballad to sing both even and morne Of the bloody Murther of Sir John Barley-corne. To the tune of _Shall I lye beyond thee_. {296} [Illustration] As I went through the North countrey, I heard a merry greeting, A pleasant toy and full of joy, two noblemen were meeting. And as they walkèd for to sport, upon a summer’s day, Then with another nobleman, they went to make a fray. Whose name was Sir John Barley-corne; he dwelt down in a dale; Who had a kinsman dwelt him nigh, they cal’d him Thomas Good-ale. Another namèd Richard Beere was ready at that time, Another worthy Knight was there, call’d Sir William White-wine. Some of them fought in a Blacke-Jack, some of them in a Can; But the chiefest in a blacke-pot, like a worthy alderman. {297}