Ancient Poems, Ballads, and Songs of the Peasantry of England Part 16

She had left, by a good grannum, Full five thousand pounds per annum, Which she held without control; Thus she did in riches roll.

Though she had vast store of riches, Which some persons much bewitches, Yet she bore a virtuous mind, Not the least to pride inclined.

Many n.o.ble persons courted This young lady, 'tis reported; But their labour proved in vain, They could not her favour gain.

Though she made a strong resistance, Yet by Cupid's true a.s.sistance, She was conquered after all; How it was declare I shall.

Being at a n.o.ble wedding, Near the famous town of Redding, {7} A young gentleman she saw, Who belonged to the law.

As she viewed his sweet behaviour, Every courteous carriage gave her New addition to her grief; Forced she was to seek relief.

Privately she then enquired About him, so much admired; Both his name, and where he dwelt, - Such was the hot flame she felt.

Then, at night, this youthful lady Called her coach, which being ready, Homewards straight she did return; But her heart with flames did burn.

PART II.

SHOWING THE LADY'S LETTER OF A CHALLENGE TO FIGHT HIM UPON HIS REFUSING TO WED HER IN A MASK, WITHOUT KNOWING WHO SHE WAS.

Night and morning, for a season, In her closet would she reason With herself, and often said, 'Why has love my heart betrayed?

'I, that have so many slighted, Am at length so well requited; For my griefs are not a few!

Now I find what love can do.

'He that has my heart in keeping, Though I for his sake be weeping, Little knows what grief I feel; But I'll try it out with steel.

'For I will a challenge send him, And appoint where I'll attend him, In a grove, without delay, By the dawning of the day.

'He shall not the least discover That I am a virgin lover, By the challenge which I send; But for justice I contend.

'He has caused sad distraction, And I come for satisfaction, Which if he denies to give, One of us shall cease to live.'

Having thus her mind revealed, She her letter closed and sealed; Which, when it came to his hand, The young man was at a stand.

In her letter she conjured him For to meet, and well a.s.sured him, Recompence he must afford, Or dispute it with the sword.

Having read this strange relation, He was in a consternation; But, advising with his friend, He persuades him to attend.

'Be of courage, and make ready, Faint heart never won fair lady; In regard it must be so, I along with you must go.'

PART III.

SHOWING HOW THEY MET BY APPOINTMENT IN A GROVE, WHERE SHE OBLIGED HIM TO FIGHT OR WED HER.

Early on a summer's morning, When bright Phoebus was adorning Every bower with his beams, The fair lady came, it seems.

At the bottom of a mountain, Near a pleasant crystal fountain, There she left her gilded coach, While the grove she did approach.

Covered with her mask, and walking, There she met her lover talking With a friend that he had brought; So she asked him whom he sought.

'I am challenged by a gallant, Who resolves to try my talent; Who he is I cannot say, But I hope to show him play.'

'It is I that did invite you, You shall wed me, or I'll fight you, Underneath those spreading trees; Therefore, choose you which you please.

'You shall find I do not vapour, I have brought my trusty rapier; Therefore, take your choice,' said she, 'Either fight or marry me.'

Said he, 'Madam, pray what mean you?

In my life I've never seen you; Pray unmask, your visage show, Then I'll tell you aye or no.'

'I will not my face uncover Till the marriage ties are over; Therefore, choose you which you will, Wed me, sir, or try your skill.

'Step within that pleasant bower, With your friend one single hour; Strive your thoughts to reconcile, And I'll wander here the while.'

While this beauteous lady waited, The young bachelors debated What was best for to be done: Quoth his friend, 'The hazard run.

'If my judgment can be trusted, Wed her first, you can't be worsted; If she's rich, you'll rise to fame, If she's poor, why! you're the same.'

He consented to be married; All three in a coach were carried To a church without delay, Where he weds the lady gay.

Though sweet pretty Cupids hovered Round her eyes, her face was covered With a mask,--he took her thus, Just for better or for worse.

With a courteous kind behaviour, She presents his friend a favour, And withal dismissed him straight, That he might no longer wait.

PART IV.

SHOWING HOW THEY RODE TOGETHER IN HER GILDED COACH TO HER n.o.bLE SEAT, OR CASTLE, ETC.

As the gilded coach stood ready, The young lawyer and his lady Rode together, till they came To her house of state and fame;

Which appeared like a castle, Where you might behold a parcel Of young cedars, tall and straight, Just before her palace gate.

Hand in hand they walked together, To a hall, or parlour, rather, Which was beautiful and fair, - All alone she left him there.

Two long hours there he waited Her return;--at length he fretted, And began to grieve at last, For he had not broke his fast.

Still he sat like one amazed, Round a s.p.a.cious room he gazed, Which was richly beautified; But, alas! he lost his bride.

There was peeping, laughing, sneering, All within the lawyer's hearing; But his bride he could not see; 'Would I were at home!' thought he.

While his heart was melancholy, Said the steward, brisk and jolly, 'Tell me, friend, how came you here?

You've some bad design, I fear.'

He replied, 'Dear loving master, You shall meet with no disaster Through my means, in any case, - Madam brought me to this place.'

Then the steward did retire, Saying, that he would enquire Whether it was true or no: Ne'er was lover hampered so.

Now the lady who had filled him With those fears, full well beheld him From a window, as she dressed, Pleased at the merry jest.

When she had herself attired In rich robes, to be admired, She appeared in his sight, Like a moving angel bright.