The York Waits

[Verse 1] In a winter's morning, Long before the dawning, Ere the cock did crow, Or stars their light withdraw, [Verse 2] Wak'd by a hornpipe pretty, Play'd along York city, By th' help of o'ernight's bottle, Damon made this ditty, .... [Verse 3] In a winter's night, By moon or lanthorn light, Through hail, rain, frost, or snow, Their rounds the music go; [Verse 4] Clad each in frieze or blanket (For either heav'n be thanked), Lin'd with wine a quart, Or ale a double tankard. [Bridge] Burglars scud away, And bar guests dare not stay, Of claret, snoring sots Dream o'er their pipes and pots, [Verse 5] Till their brisk helpmates wake 'em, Hoping music will make 'em To find the pleasant Cliff, That plays the Rigadoon. [Verse 6] Candles, four in the pound, Lead up the jolly Round, Whilst cornet shrill i' th' middle Marches, and merry fiddle, [Verse 7] Curtal with deep hum, hum, Cries, we come, we come, come, And theorbo loudly answers, Thrum, thrum, thrum, thrum, thrum. [Verse 8] But, their fingers frost-nipt, So many notes are o'erslipt, That you'd take sometimes The Waits for the Minster chimes: [Outro] Then, Sirs, to hear their music Would make both me and you sick, And much more to hear a roopy fiddler call (With voice, as Moll would cry, " Come, shrimps or cockles buy") , " Past three, fair frosty morn , Good morrow, my masters all ."