[Lute introduction, mysterious minor key shifting to major] [Chorus - Following Original Tune] *(Sung to the traditional Jack and Jill melody)* Jack and Jill climbed Whis-per Hill To fetch the moon-well's glow, Jack fell down, he broke his crown, And Jill came tum-bling low! [Verse 1 - The Opening Gambit] Hearken well, ye tavern folk, to tales of youthful pride, When two young souls sought mystic waters from the mountain's side. 'Twas Jack the Bold and Jill the True, apprentices of lore, Who heard tell of a sacred spring that none had reached before! [Verse 2 - Character Introduction] Now Jack, he wore his master's cloak though barely earned his staff, And boasted loud in market square—oh, how the elders laughed! But Jill, sweet Jill, with wisdom's touch beyond her tender years, She followed where Jack led the way, despite her whispered fears. [Verse 3 - The Challenge Emerges] The Whispering Hill rose steep and high, where ancient magics dwelt, And at its crown, the Moonwell stood where dragon tears had melt. "One pail," the village healer begged, "would cure our children's blight!" So up they climbed at break of day, their hearts both brave and light. [Chorus - Following Original Tune] *(Crowd joins in, tankards swaying)* Jack and Jill climbed Whis-per Hill To fetch the moon-well's glow, Jack fell down, he broke his crown, And Jill came tum-bling low! [Verse 4 - The Ascent] Through brambled paths and shifting stones that moved beneath their feet, Past warning runes in tongues forgot and bones of those who'd meet Their doom upon this treacherous slope—yet Jack pressed ever on, "Fear not!" cried he, "We'll be renowned before the day is gone!" [Verse 5 - The Attempted Resolution] The summit reached! The Moonwell gleamed with waters crystal bright, Jack rushed ahead with reckless speed, drunk on his own delight. But ancient wells have ancient ways, and guard their treasures well— The stones gave way beneath his boots, and down brave Jack he fell! [Verse 6 - The Cascade] He tumbled down like autumn leaves caught in a mountain gale, His crown—that cap he'd worn with pride—split on the rocky trail! And Jill, poor Jill, in reaching out to catch her falling friend, Lost balance on the crumbling edge and followed to the end! [Verse 7 - The Aftermath] They landed in a heap below, all bruised and torn and sore, The sacred water never claimed, their quest worth nothing more Than broken bones and wounded pride—though truth be told, they lived, Which is far more than most can say when mountain gods aren't gived! [Chorus - Following Original Tune] [Softer, almost whispered by the crowd] Jack and Jill climbed Whis-per Hill To fetch the moon-well's glow, Jack fell down, he broke his crown, And Jill came tum-bling low! [Verse 8 - The Minstrel's Wisdom] So when you seek the heights of glory, mind you take it slow, For mountains care not for your boasts, as Jack learned from below! And if you've coins to spare tonight for one who tells it true, This minstrel's throat grows dry and parched from tales I sing to you [Final Verse - The Moral Revealed] Now some say Jack recovered well and learned to measure pace, That Jill became a healer true with wisdom and with grace. But I say this: when glory calls and heights seem worth the game, Remember that a water pail's not worth a broken frame! [Lute outro with playful flourish]
