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I Rede You Beware of the Ripples

Scotland, 1800.
Attributed to Burns.


    I rede you beware of the ripples, young man
    I rede you beware of the ripples, young man
    Though the saddle be soft, you needna ride oft
    For fear that the girding beguile you, young man.

    I rede you beware of the ripples, young man
    I rede you beware of the ripples, young man
    Though music be pleasure, take music in measure
    Or you may want wind in your whistle, young man.

    I rede you beware of the ripples, young man
    I rede you beware of the ripples, young man
    Whate'er you bestow, do less than you dow
    The more will be thought of your kindness, young man.

    I rede you beware of the ripples, young man
    I rede you beware of the ripples, young man
    If you would be strong, and wish to live long
    Dance less with your arse to the kipples, young man.


    Glossary:
         rede . . . . . . . . . . advise
         ripples  . . . . . . . . aches in the back and buttocks
         girding  . . . . . . . . saddling/energetic working
         dow  . . . . . . . . . . are able
         kipples  . . . . . . . . rafters

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