"Tom O'Bedlam," Anonymous

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This is a variation; there are many.

*

From the hag and hungry goblin
That into rags would rend ye,
And the spirit that stands by the naked man
In the Book of Moons, defend ye,
That of your five sound senses
Ye never be forsaken,
Nor wander from yourselves with Tom
Abroad to beg your bacon.

While I do sing, any food, any feeding,
Feeding, drink, or clothing?
Come, dame or maid, be not afraid:
Poor Tom will injure nothing.

Of thirty barren years have I
Twice twenty been enragèd,
And of forty been three times fifteen
In durance soundly cagèd
On the lordly lofts of Bedlam,
With stubble soft and dainty,
Brave bracelets strong, sweet whips ding-dong,
And a wholesome hunger plenty.

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