Page:Mistaken lady's garland, or, The squire cheated.pdf/2

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The M LADY'S G.

Oung ladies in country and city I pray,

Give ear to my ditty and hear what I say,

If you have a sweetheart that’s charming and gay,

Take care that your maid does not steal him away.

In fair London city this project was done,

A gallant brisk lady, both wealthy and young,

She had a young chambermaid who was so fair,

That few in the city could with her compare.

A wealthy young squire a person of fame,

A courting unto this young lady he came,

Altho’ that the mistress he courted, it’s said,

A hankering mind he had after the maid.

Young Cupid his arrows he quickly let fly,

And he wounded the squire most desperately,

That no rest nor no comfort at all he could take,

Saying, if I han’t her my heart it will break.

Must I slight a lady of honour and fame,

To wed with her servant, I’m sure it’s a shame,

The girl is brisk, young, charming and gay,

To enjoy her, perhaps, I may find a way.

Indeed I’m not willing to make her my bride,

Yet fain would I have her to ly by my side,

Her mistress to visit I will go again,

Perhaps I may fancy my choice to obtain.

The squire ne’er fail’d of his visits ’tis said,

A kiss to the mistress and six to the maid,

With many fine presents both costly and rare,

And be sure keep it secret from your lady fair.

'Tis you, my dear jewel, I come here to see,

For fear my friends should be angry with me,

I tell them the lady I court for my wife,

But, Betty, ’tis you are the joy of my life.