Selling cries of famous London-town

Here`s fine rosemary, sage and thyme.

Come buy my ground ivy.

Here`s fetherfew, gilliflowers and rue.

Come buy my knotted majorum, ho!

Come buy my mint, my fine greenmint.

Here`s fine lavender for your cloaths.

Here`s parsley and winter savory,

And hearts-ease, which all do choose.

Here`s balm and hissop, and cinquefoil,

All fine herbs, it is well known.

Let none despise the merry, merry cries

Of famous London-town!

"A nice love song halpenny a piece"

Plate 11 of F Whealey's ( 1747-1801) series 

Cries of London 

Here`s fine herrings, eight a groat.

Hot codlins, pies and tarts.

New mackerel! have to sell.

Come buy my Wellfleet oysters, ho!

Come buy my whitings fine and new.

Wives, shall I mend your husbands horns?

I`ll grind your knives to please your wives,

And very nicely cut your corns.

Maids, have you any hair to sell,

Either flaxen, black or brown?

Let none despise the merry, merry cries

Of famous London-town!

Anon (17th century