Full Merrily Sings the Cuckoo
[THE earliest copy of this playful song is one contained in a MS. of the reign of James I., preserved amongst the registers of the Stationers’ Company; but the song can be traced back to 1566.]
FULL merrily sings the cuckooUpon the beechen tree;Your wives you well should look to,If you take advice of me.Cuckoo! cuckoo! alack the morn,When of married menFull nine in tenMust be content to wear the horn.
Full merrily sings the cuckooUpon the oaken tree;Your wives you well should look to,If you take advice of me.Cuckoo! cuckoo! alack the day!For married menBut now and then,Can ’scape to bear the horn away.
Full merrily sings the cuckooUpon the ashen tree;Your wives you well should look to,If you take advice of me.Cuckoo! cuckoo! alack the noon,When married menMust watch the hen,Or some strange fox will steal her soon.
Full merrily sings the cuckooUpon the alder tree;Your wives you well should look to,If you take advice of me.Cuckoo! cuckoo! alack the eve,When married menMust bid good denTo such as horns to them do give.
Full merrily sings the cuckooUpon the aspen tree;Your wives you well should look to,If you take advice of me.Cuckoo! cuckoo! alack the night,When married men,Again and again,Must hide their horns in their despite.