"And here have we liv-ed in fortune's despite,
Though poor, yet contented with humble delight:
Full forty winters thus have I been
A silly blind beggar of Bethnal Green.

"And here noble lord-es, is ended the song
Of one that once to your own rank did belong:
And thus have you learn-ed a secret from me,
That ne'er had been known but for pretty Bessee."

Now when the fair company every one,
Had heard the strange tale in the song he had shown,
They all were amaz-ed, as well they might be,
Both at the blind beggar, and pretty Bessee.

With that the fair bride they all did embrace,
Saying, "Sure thou art come of an honourable race,
Thy father likewise is of noble degree,
And thou art well worthy a lady to be."

Thus was the feast ended with joy and delight,
A bridegroom most happy then was the young knight,
In joy and felicity long liv-ed he,
All with his fair lady, the pretty Bessee.

THE BAILIFF'S DAUGHTER OF ISLINGTON.

There was a youth, and a well-beloved youth,
And he was a squire's son:
He loved the bailiffs daughter dear,
That lived in Islington.

Yet she was coy, and would not believe
That he did love her so;
No, nor at any time would she
Any countenance to him show.

But when his friends did understand
His fond and foolish mind,
They sent him up to fair Lond-on
An apprentice for to bind.

And when he had been seven long years,
And never his love could see:
"Many a tear have I shed for her sake,
When she little thought of me."

Then all the maids of Islington
Went forth to sport and play,
All but the bailiff's daughter dear;
She secretly stole away.

She pull-ed off her gown of green,
And put on ragged attire,
And to fair London she would go
Her true love to inquire.

And as she went along the high road,
The weather being hot and dry,
She sat her down upon a green bank,
And her true love came riding by.

She started up, with a colour so red,
Catching hold of his bridle-rein;
"One penny, one penny, kind sir," she said,
"Will ease me of much pain."--

"Before I give you one penny, sweetheart,
Pray tell me where you were born."--
"At Islin