This edition was prepared by David Anderson — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
A ryghte merrie geste
Staff Notation • Secular, Partsongs
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A ryghte merrie geste by William Webster Pearson — Lyrics
Itte was the tyme when fatte folke blowe,
And gape and pante for lackke of aire,
Some frendes didde mete in a farmyarde swete,
Al to view a calfe of beautie rare.
Itts ownere hight was Symkynne Tyghte,
Proude manne was hee al for the nones;
One enviouse frende was Tummas Wende,
And eke anothere, Wattkynne Jones.
’Tis a fine calfe,
Butte mee no buttes,
Too fatte bye halfe.
Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha,
’Tis goode, ’tis goode to laugghe.
Now Tummas lovedde a merrie joake,
And so to Wattkynne homeward bente,
“Give mee goode hede,” ‘twas thus hee spoke,
“For to playye a trickke is my intente.
In a week, you knowe, the cattel showe,
And Tyghte dothe wel consider thatte
A pryze hee’ll gayne, withouten payne,
For thys hys calfe so wondrouse fatte.”
’Tis a fine calfe,
Butte mee no buttes,
Read full lyrics
About A ryghte merrie geste
William Webster Pearson’s A ryghte merrie geste is a lively SATB setting of a humorous English text. The words paint a picture of friends gathering to admire a prize calf owned by Symkynne Tyghte, who is clearly very proud. The poem’s narrative then takes a turn as two friends, Tummas Wende and Wattkynne Jones, plan a prank. The music captures the spirit of this light-hearted, secular tale, with moments of laughter and a sense of fun. This part-song is ideal for choirs looking for engaging and characterful repertoire.
