Fatherly Instruction         (Ernest Clark,   ©  2005)

O daughter, heed British balladry   (Lay the bend to the bonny broom,)
For many lessons therein be.       (Fa la la la la la la la la la.)

Hear countless cases of deeds so dumb,   		Lay &c.
that surely of them no good can come.       		Fa &c.

If thou art told Beware of Long Lankin,            	Lay &c.
Then frickin' BEWARE OF LONG LANKIN.  	Fa &c.

If talking beast lay on thee a quest,              		Lay &c.
No good will come if thou ignore the rest.   		Fa &c.

Let not a soldier thy wooing try,            		Lay &c.
Words of true love he will surely lie.    		Fa &c.

All circumstances must thou dread,         		Lay &c.
That form a rhyme with 'maidenhead'.     		Fa &c.

If thou dismisseth thy heartbeat wild,      		Lay &c.
Then in a jig thou shalt be with child.     		Fa &c.

If half a ring shows one off sailing ship,		Lay &c.
Make sure thy half has a matching rip,			Fa &c.

Share not with sister him thou lovest most, 		Lay &c.
Lest thou become a Doleful Ghost.                		Fa &c.

If light of moon can thy love shine through,		Lay &c.
Some other time shouldst thou stayest true.		Fa &c.

Take care when fanning the love thou feel,		Lay &c.
No good will come if thou date a seal.          		Fa &c.

Pay heed when parents apprise thy plight,     		Lay &c.
Because thy mother is always right.              		Fa &c.

Wish thou thy life be content and long,         		Lay &c.
Then  heed the wisdom heard in song,          		Fa &c.