trad
Collected by Mary E. Spence from Sarah Foster of Sedbergh, Yorkshire. Thought to date back at least 400 years.
Eliza Carthy: Benjamin Bowmaneer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykADKzuQqQY
Have you heard how the wars began, Benjamin Bowmaneer? Have you heard how the wars began? Castors away! Have you heard how the wars began When England fought to a man? And the proud tailor rode prancing away Of his shear board he made a horse? For him to ride across. And the proud tailor rode prancing away Of his scissors made bridle bits? To keep the horse in his wits. And the proud tailor rode prancing away As the tailor rode o’er the lea? He spied a flea on his knee. And the proud tailor rode prancing away Of his needle he made a spear? To prick that flea through his ear. And the proud tailor rode prancing away Of his thimble he made a bell? To ring that flea’s funeral knell. And the proud tailor rode prancing away Was this how the wars began? When England fought to a man? And the proud tailor rode prancing away