Mother Shipton

Of all the pretty Pantomimes, That have been seen or sung in rhimes, Since famous Johnny Rich's times, There's none like Mother Shipton. She pleases folks of every class; She makes her Swans and Ducklings pass; She shews her Hog, she shews her Ass; Oh charming Mother Shipton!

Near to the famous Dropping Well She first drew breath, as records tell, And had good beer and ale to sell, As ever tongue was tipt on: Her Dropping Well itself is seen, Quaint Goblins hobble round their Queen, And little Fairies tread the Green, Call'd forth by Mother Shipton.

Oh London is a charming place! Yet grumble not, ye Critick Race, Though Mansion-House is seen to grace The streets in Mother Shipton! You think a blunder you descry: Yet you might see with half an eye 'Tis Mother Shipton's Prophecy— Oh charming Mother Shipton!

Come jolly Tars, and Sailors staunch, Oh come with us and see the Launch! 'Twill feast your eye, and fill your paunch, As done by Mother Shipton. The shores give way the hulk that prop— Huzza! the ship is launch'd—and pop! 'Tis turn'd into a Baker's Shop— Oh charming Mother Shipton!

Then after several wonders past, To Yorkshire all return at last, And in a Coal-pit they are east— Oh wond'rous Mother Shipton! Yet she redeems them every soul: And here's the moral of the whole— 'Tis Mother Shipton brings the Cole: Oh charming Mother Shipton!