THE PAINFUL PLOUGH by ANONYMOUS

O ADAM was a ploughboy, when ploughing first began,
The next that did succeed him was Cain, his eldest son
Some of the generation the calling still pursue,
That bread may not be wanting, they labour at the plough.

Samson was the strongest man, and Solomon was wise,
And Alexander conquering, he made the world his prize,
King David was a valiant man, and many thousands slew;
Yet none of all these heroes bold could live without the plough.

Behold the wealthy merchant, that trades on foreign seas,
And brings home gold and treasure for such as live at ease,
With spices and with cinnamon, and oranges also too,
They're brought us from the Indies, by virtue of the plough.

For they must have bread, biscuit, rice-pudding, flour, and peas,
To feed the jolly sailors as they sail o'er the seas;
And the man that brings them will own to what is true,
He cannot sail the ocean without the painful plough!

I hope there's none offended at me for singing this,
For never I intended to sing you aught amiss;
And if you will consider, you'll find the saying true,
That all mankind dependeth upon the painful plough.

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