And thus, to Betty's question, he Made answer, like a traveller bold, (His very words I give to you,) "The c.o.c.ks did crow to-whoo, to-whoo, 450 And the sun did shine so cold!"

--Thus answered Johnny in his glory, And that was all his travel's story.

VARIANTS ON THE TEXT

[Variant 1:

1827.

He shouts from ... 1798.]

[Variant 2: Inserted in the editions 1798 to 1820.

Beneath the moon that shines so bright, Till she is tired, let Betty Foy With girt and stirrup fiddle-faddle; But wherefore set upon a saddle Him whom she loves, her idiot boy?]

[Variant 3:

1836.

There's scarce a soul that's out of bed; 1798.]

[Variant 4: Inserted in the editions 1798 to 1820.

The world will say 'tis very idle, Bethink you of the time of night; There's not a mother, no not one, But when she hears what you have done, Oh! Betty she'll be in a fright.]

[Variant 5:

1836.

Has up upon the saddle set, 1798.]

[Variant 6:

1820.

... that's in the dale, 1798.]

[Variant 7:

1827.

... bough's ... 1798.]

[Variant 8:

1827.

And Betty's standing at the door, And Betty's face with joy o'erflows, 1798.]

[Variant 9:

1820.

And Johnny's in a merry tune, 1798.]

[Variant 10:

1827.

And ... 1798.]

[Variant 11:

1836.

What comfort Johnny soon will bring, 1798.

What comfort soon her Boy will bring, 1827.]

[Variant 12:

1827.

And Betty's still at Susan's side: By this time she's not quite so flurried; 1798.]

[Variant 13:

1827.

They'll both be ... 1798.]

[Variant 14: