-
Title
-
Miller and his three sons
-
Singer
-
Eldridge, Jesse
-
Song Lyrics
-
Verse 1
It's of a crafty miller, and he
Had three able sons one, two and three;
He called them in and asked their will,
If that to them he left the mill.
Verse 2
He called first his eldest son,
Saying - 'My life is almost run.
If I to thee this mill do make,
What toll dost thou intend to take.'
Verse 3
'Father,' said he, 'my name is Jack,
Out of every bushel I'll take a peck,
Of every bushel that I grind,
That I may a good living find.'
Verse 4
'Thou art a fool!' the old man cried,
'Thou hast not learned well thy trade.
This mill to thee I ne'er will give - ms
This mill to thee I'll never give,
For by such toll no man could live.'
Verse 5
He called for his middle-most son,
Saying - 'My life is almost run.
If I to thee this mill do make,
What toll dost thou intend to take?'
Verse 6
'Father,' says he, 'My name is Ralph,
Out of every bushel I'll take half,
Of every bushel that I grind,
That I may a good living find.'
Verse 7
'Thou art a fool!' the old man cried,
'Thou hast not learned well thy trade.
This mill to thee I ne'er will give - ms
This mill to thee I'll never give,
For by such toll no man could live.'
Verse 8
He called then his youngest son,
Saying -'My life is almost run.
If I to thee this mill do make,
What toll dost thou intend to take?'
Verse 9
'Father,' said he, 'I am your boy,
For taking toll is all my joy;
Before I will good living lack,
I'll take it all and forswear the sack.'
Verse 10
'Thou art my boy,' the old man cried,
'For thou hast learned well thy trade.
This mill to thee I'll give,' he cried,
And straightway after this miller died.
