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THE CHESHIRE CHEESE by ANONYMOUS

First Line: A CHESHIRE MAN SAILED UNTO SPAIN
Last Line: TO DANCE A CHESHIRE ROUND
Subject(s): CHEESE;MERCHANTS;

A CHESHIRE man sailed unto Spain
In quest of merchandise.
When he arrived from the main
A Spaniard him espies,

Who said: 'You English rogue, look here,
What fruits and spices fine
Our land produces twice a year,
Thou hast not such in thine!'

The Cheshire man ran to his hold,
And fetched a Cheshire cheese;
And said: 'Look here, you dog, behold,
We have such fruits as these.

Your fruits mature but twice a year,
As you yourself did say;
But such as I you offer here,
Our land gives twice a day.'

The Spaniard in a fury flew,
His rapier took in hand;
The Cheshire man kicked up his heels
With 'Sir, at your command!'

So never let a Spaniard boast
While Cheshire men abound,
Lest they should teach him to his cost
To dance a Cheshire round.



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