The Cheshire Man

The Cheshire Man

1. A Cheshire man sail’d into Spain,
To trade for merchandise;
When he arrived from the main
A Spaniard him espies,
A Spaniard him espies.

2. Who said, ‘You English rogue, look here!
What fruit and spices fine
Our land produces twice a year!
Thou hast not such in thine,
Thou hast not such in thine.’

3. The Cheshire man ran to his hoard
And fetch’d a Cheshire cheese,
And said, ‘Look here, you dog! behold!
We have such fruits as these,
We have such fruits as these.’

4. ‘Your fruits are ripe but twice a year,
As you yourself do say;
But such as I present you here
Our land brings twice a day,
Our land brings twice a day.’

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5. The Spaniard in a passion flew,
And his rapier took in hand:
The Cheshire man kick’d up his heels,
Saying, ‘Thou’rt at my command,’
Saying, ‘Thou’rt at my command.’

6. So never let the Spaniard boast
While Cheshire men a bound,
Lest they should teach him to his cost
To dance a Cheshire Round,
To dance a Cheshire Round.