"Well John, how do you sell your ducks today?"
"Four shillings a pair, Ma'am, and very good ducks they are."
"Four shillings a pair? You ought to be ashamed to ask it!
Put your fine ducks up again in your basket.
Suppose I say three and three." "Oh no, Ma'am, they cost me more,
None of your skinny poultry, fed at the barn door,
Only feel the weight of these ducks, Ma'am, only feel,
Fed three times a day on good barley meal."
"Well I suppose I must have 'em, but very unwilling,
Here's a crown piece, can you give me a shilling?"
"Yes, Ma'am, and a very nice one too that I've just now taken,
And if you don't find those a couple of good ducks,
I'll be very much mistaken."
Well I've sold every apple, potato and duck,
And I think I have met with very good luck,
I'm sure my old wife will be glad to her heart,
To see my full purse and my empty old cart,
Shall I go to the alehouse and buy some strong beer?
No, I'll go round the churchyard for fear,
My wife wants a new pair of stockings I know,
And her best Sunday gown is too shabby to wear,
I'll buy her another, I will, I declare.