Page:History of the blind beggar of Bethnal Green (2).pdf/16

16 with a sigh. Alas! sir, I cannot expect so great a happiness, though I confess. I esteemed you more than the rest; yet I will not dispose of myself without the consent of my father and mother; for though they are poor, they are nevertheless my parents.

This modesty kindled his passion more and more. Wherefore, after much discourse, and many rows of constancy, it was agreed, that he should be ready with a horse and servants the next morning early, and she would come and ride with him to Bethnal Green, to require the old peoples' consent. Yet this was not carried on so secret, but the spies abroad discovered it, not only to the knight's uncle, who managed his estate, but likewise to most of the young men of Rumford, who were her admirers.