There's an old clerk in this parish I know very well;
He often do toll the eight o'clock bell.
He went to the alehouse and got a full pot --
And forgot the old church for to lock-a-lock lock.
Rilari-liddle la diddle, la diddle la diddle-i-day.

A mare and a foal they ran in great speed;
The mare from the Bible began for to read.
"Stay" said the foal. "Before you begin --
Whatever you pray for, I'll answer Amen."
Rilari-liddle la diddle, la diddle la diddle-i-day.

We'll pray for the millers who grind us our corn;
For they are the biggest rogues that ever were born.
Instead of one sackful they'll take two for toll --
May the devil take millers! "Amen" said the foal.
Rilari-liddle la diddle, la diddle la diddle-i-day.

We'll pray for the tailors, for they are no men;
They'll buy an old coat and they'll sell it again:
They'll rub it and scrub it and darn up a hole --
May the devil take tailors! "Amen" said the foal.
Rilari-liddle la diddle, la diddle la diddle-i-day.

We'll pray for the publicans who sell us our liquor;
Small measure they like, they can fill us the quicker.
If you ask them for old beer they'll draw you the small --
May the devil take publicans! "Amen" said the foal.
Rilari-liddle la diddle, la diddle la diddle-i-day.