You gentlemen of England, I'd have you to draw near
For we have come a'souling for your strong ale and beer

God bless the master of this house, the mistress also,
And all the little children that round your table grow

Likewise your men and maidens, your cattle and your store,
And all that lies within your gates, we wish you ten times more

Put your hands into your pockets and pull out your keys,
Go down into your cellar and draw us what you please

Draw us a jug of ale or your beer that is so bown
And we'll drink your health, likewise another to the crown.

With walking and with talking we are all got very dry,
To try your good nature this night you'll never us deny

This night you'll never us deny of your ale and strong beer,
And we'll come no more a'souling until this time next year.

Submitted ca. 1875 to the Derbyshire Courier by a Mr. Francis Redfern who "Remembered hearing it sung on his uncle's farm at Doveridge 40 years ago." Unfortunately his memory had added two half verses which had absolutely nothing to do with the story!

Lynn