NUTTING.
——————————— It seems a day,
(I speak of one from many singled out)
One of those heavenly days which cannot die,
When forth I sallied from our Cottage-door*,
And with a wallet o'er my shoulder slung,
A nutting crook in hand, I turned my steps
Towards the distant woods, a Figure quaint,
Tricked out in proud disguise of Beggar's weeds
Put on for the occasion, by advice
And exhortation of my frugal Dame.
Motley accoutrement! of power to smile
*The house at which I was boarded during the time I was at School.
At thorns, and brakes, and brambles, and, in truth,
More ragged than need was. Among the woods,
he was urged/persuaded by his dame to go into the woods, he was wearing path worked attire, most likely old and worn looking. He is wearing this raggedy clothing as a disguise and again due to the suggestions of his dame.
Nutting 1805 Lyrical Ballads