Complete Songs Of Robert Burns - online book

Share page


	314 TONE-POETRY OF ROBERT BURNS
	No. 332. There was three kings into the east. Tune: Lull me beyond thee Playford's Dancing Master, 1670, p. 148.


	There was three kings into the east, Three kings both great and high ; And they hae sworn a solemn oath John Barleycorn should die. They took a plough and plough'd him down, Put clods upon his head ; And they hae sworn a solemn oath John Barleycorn was dead. But the cheerful Spring came kindly And show'rs began to fall; [on, John Barleycorn got up again, And sore surprised them all. The sultry suns of Summer came, And he grew thick and strong; His head weel arm'd wi' pointed spears, That no one should him wrong.	The sober Autumn enter'd mild, When he grew wan and pale ; His bending joints and drooping head Show'd he began to fail. His colour sicken'd more and more, He faded into age ; And then his enemies began To show their deadly rage. They've taen a weapon long and sharp, And cut him by the knee ; Then tied him fast upon a cart, Like a rogue for forgerie. They laid him down upon his back, And cudgell'd him full sore ; They hung him up before the storm, And turu'd him o'er and o'er.