No. 6 - Sing and Trio - Lurcher, Wilder & Sherwood

Lyrics by B. C. Stephenson

[Lurcher:] I am the Sheriff's faithful man,
The King's own writ I hold, Sir,
I'd say why pay it if you can,
If I might be so bold, Sir,
The debt amounts to twenty pounds,
The costs to fifty more, Sir,
The sum now owing will be found
To come to eighty-four, Sir.
The bill of costs be pleased to scan,
It surely is not much
To levy from a gentleman,
For treating him as such.
So will you pay the debt you owe,
Or else I am afraid, Sir,
That into prison you must go
And stop until it's paid, Sir,
[All three:] That into prison you must go
And stop until it's paid, Sir.

[Lurcher:] Attornies bills do not decrease
In size by contemplation,
And arguing does not release
A debtor's obligation.
You surely would not let me see
A man in your position
Object to pay a little fee
Or cavil at addition.
A six and eightpence less or more
You really must not grudge, Sir,
And two and two make more than four
When ordered by a judge, Sir.
So will you pay the debt you owe,
Or else I am afraid, Sir,
That into prison you must go
And stop until it's paid, Sir,
[All three:] That into prison you must go
And stop until it's paid, Sir.