Reliques of ancient English poetry: consisting of old heroic ballads ...

ANDBALLADS. 313
And fplit a man at fmgle flalh, i£
From noddle down to nock.
As Roman Augur's Heel of yore
Differed Tarquin's riddle,
So this would cut both conjurer
And whetftone thro' the middle. 20
He was the cream of Brecknock,
And flower of all the Welfh :
But George he did the dragon fell,
And gave him a plaguy fquelfn.
St. George he was for England j St. Dennis was for France.
Sing, Honi foit qui mal y penfe. 26
Pendragon, like his father Jove,
Was fed with milk of goat
And in return a fhield made of
His fhaggy nurfe's coat
On top of burnifht helmet he
Did wear a crefl of leeks ;
And onions' heads, whofe dreadful nod
Drew tears from hoftile cheeks.
Itch, and Wellh blood did make him hot,
And very prone to ire ;
H' was ting'd with brimftone, like a match,
And would as foon take fire :
As brimftone he took inwardly
When fcurf gave him occafion, 40
His poftern puff of wind was a
Sulphureous exhalation,
;
;
3«
35
The