Page:Frolicsome lady, or, The happy footman.pdf/3

( 3 ) Now the shepherdess fair she soon did agree, So the Sports being o’er to the tavern went they, He there learn’d her a dance, and said lovely mistress, I hope you will not forget the masquerade dress.

She gave him a fine ring both costly and rare, The which he might shew her when he did come there So taking her leave, she call’d for her chair, John whips off his dress and soon follows his dear.

O-have you been careful her mother the said, Now of your young Mistress at the masquerade, Yes, madam, replied young John with a smile, Being pleased to think what he’d done all the while.

For in a little time her visage grew pale, Her belly grew big and her strength it did fail, Come tell the father, the mother then said, Why, mother, i got this at the masquerade.

What! cannot ye tell me, ye strumpet so wild, Who was the man that got you with child, Why, mother,there was both the devil and turk, Both friars and nuns, but the man did the work,

That was dress’d iike a shepherd, dear mother, she said, I must find the father at the masquerade ; Do you know the man if again you him see ? No, mother, for he was a strangcr to me.

He perform’d his part in dancing so well, I could net deny him the truth for to tell, Where must I now find a father to my babe, I’m ruin’d by going to the masquerade.

The father and mother being struck with surprize, They sent for the footman with tears in their eyes, Saying, John, if you’ll marry my daughter so fair, Take her with a fault, and i’ll make you my heir.

To tell you the truth she the wanton has play'd, She’s got up her belly at the masquerade, John quickly accepted her to be his bride, And now in his chariot in splendor does ride.