Page:Taylor's garland.pdf/7

 He shall have her too and I'll likewise be bound,

To give him a portion of two hundred pound.

Nay husband says she when he comes to know,

That she’s half gone and cousin’d him so,

He may be cross to her all days of his life,

I will not deceive him I’ll tell him sweet wife.

hey sent for the Taylor and told him the news

And said if my danghterdaughter [sic] ye will not refuse,

But freely will take her behold as I live,

Here’s two hundred pounds as a portion I’ll give.

I will not take her with such trifles as that,

For I must both foster and father the brat,

And be at the charge of a midwife and nurse,

And twenty things more to pillage my purse.

Her dear loving mother she instantly cry’d,

Come take her and make her your honoured bride,

And I'll freely pay for the first lying in,

Before to the world ye discover her sin.

Then four hundred pound with your daughter I'll have,

And then I'll maintain her right gallant and brave,

No less than that fortune I tell you will do,

For she is with child and ye know not by who.

Her father reply’d I will make it up three,

Then do not stand screwing and squeezing of me,

It is a great portion you cannot deny,

Now therefore be willing and free to comply,

I will have that sum if your daughter I take,

And herein before you this promise I make,