Benjamin Bowmaneer

Have you heard how the wars began?
Benjamin Bowmaneer!
Have you heard how the wars begun?
Castors away!
Have you heard how the wars begun
When England fought to a man
And the proud tailor rode prancing away?

Of his shear board he made a horse
All for him to ride across.

Of his scissors he made bridle bits
For to keep his horse all in its wits.

And as he road o're the lea
He spied a flea all on his knee.

Of his needle he made a spear
All for to prick that flee all in its ear.

From his thimble he made a bell
All for to ring that flea's funeral knell.

And that is how the wars began
When England fought to a man.