A Song in Praise of a Beggar's Life

Bright shines the sun; play, Beggars, play;
Here's scraps enough to serve to-day.
What noise of viols is so sweet,
As when our merry clappers ring?
What mirth doth want where Beggars meet?
A Beggar's life is for a King.
Eat, drink, and play; sleep when we list,
Go where we will, so stocks be mist.
Bright shines, &c.

The world is ours, and ours alone;
For we alone have worlds at will;
We purchase not; all is our own;
Both fields and streets we Beggars fill.
Nor care to get, nor fear to keep,
Did ever break a Beggar's sleep.
Bright shines, &c.

A hundred head of black and white,
Upon our gowns securely feed;
If any dare his master bite,
He dies therefore, as sure as creed.
Thus Beggars lord it as they please;
And none but Beggars live at ease.
Bright shines, &c.