Classic Poem

There was a jovial beggar,
He had a wooden leg,
Lame from his cradle,
And forced for to beg.
And a-begging we will go, will go, will go
And a-begging we will go!

A bag for his oatmeal,
Another for his salt,
And a pair of crutches,
To show that he can halt.
And a-begging we will go —

A bag for his wheat,
Another for his rye,
A little bottle by his side,
To drink when he's a-dry,
And a-begging we will go —

" Seven years I begged
For my old Master Wild,
He taught me to beg
When I was but a child,
And a-begging we will go —

" I begged for my master
And got him store of pelf;
But, now, Jove be praised!
I'm begging for myself;
And a-begging we will go —

" In a hollow tree
I live and pay no rent.
Providence provides for me,
And I am well content;
And a-begging we will go —