Song of the Somersetshire Old Gamesters (1859)

This song or poem was documented by Hughes in 1859. It is believed to predate this recording.

THE ZONG OF THE ZUMMERZETSHIRE OWLD GEAMSTER.

I.
“Cham* a Zummerzetshire mun
Coom here to hev a bit o’vun.
Oo’lt+ try a bout? I be’ant aveard
Ov any man or mother’s zun.

II.
“Cham a geamster owld and tough,
Well knowed droo all the country zide,
And many a lusty Barkshire man
To break my yead hev often tried.

III.
“Who’s vor a bout o vriendly plaay,
As never should to anger move ?
Zich spwoorts wur only meaned vor thaay
As likes their mazzards broke for love”

* “Cham”-” I am” a form still used inparts of Somersetshire.
+ “Oo’lt “-wilt thou.

Modernisation:

I.
“I am a Somersetshire man
Come here to have a bit of fun.
Who’ll try a bout? I’m not afraid
Of any man or mother’s son.

II.
“I am a gamester old and tough,
Well known through all the countryside,
And many a lusty Berkshire man
To break my head has often tried.

III.
“Who’s for a bout of friendly play,
As never should to anger move?
Such sports were only meant for they,
As likes their heads broke for love.”