A franc taupin who was walking in fields
And was always spoiling for a fight,
But he was told without delay
To go away right behind the mountains.
Let us turn around the vine in the vineyard.
The franc archer got up in the morning
For a dinner a fricassee is needed
Of good tripe well seasoned,
For his supper onion soup.
Let us turn around the vine in the vineyard.
The franc archer had a grey mantle
All covered in smoke beneath the chimney
By his side a rusty sword
In his foot he had a spur.
Let us turn around the vine in the vineyard.
The franc archer had a bow of oak
All worm-eaten, the string tied in knots
And his arrows wrapped up in paper
Burnt at the end for want of a tip.
Let us turn around the vine in the vineyard.
The franc archer had a mare
Underneath her a bag all full of straw
And the stirrups were made of ship’s rope
And the mare had a foal.
Let us turn around the vine in the vineyard.
When I saw him thus armed
I asked him if he was going to the army.
Yes, said he, to win the day
And win it for the Duke of Burgundy.
Let us turn around the vine in the vineyard.
English: Leofranc Holford-Strevens