Our Goodman- D.D.B. (MA) c.1805 Barry
[From: Traditional Ballads in New England. III by Phillips Barry; The Journal of American Folklore, Vol. 18, No. 71 (Oct. - Dec., 1905), pp. 291-304.
R. Matteson 2013]
XVII. OUR GOODMAN.
A. Recited to me March 30, 1905, by D. D. B., Cambridge, Mass., in whose family it has been traditional for over a century.
1 I went into my parlor, and there I did see
Three gentlemen's wigs, sir, without the leave of me!
I called it for my Goodwife, -- "What do you want? " said she,
"How came these gentlemen's wigs here without the leave of me?"
2 "You old fool, you blind fool, can't you very well see?
They are three cabbage heads which my mother sent to me! "
"Hobs nobs! Well done! Cabbage heads with hair on!
The like I never see!"
3 I went into my stable, and there I did see
Three gentlemen's horses, sir, without the leave of me.
I called it for my Goodwife, -- " What do you want?" said she,
"How came these gentlemen's horses here without the leave of me?"
4 "You old fool, you blind fool, can't you very well see?"
They are three milking cows, which my mother sent to me!"
"Hobs nobs! Well done! Milking cows with saddles on!
The like I never see!"