Page:The Bab Ballads.djvu/149

Rh The news he made a messmate tell: His bore it well,
 * No sign gave she of crazing;

But, steady as the Inchcape rock His stood the shock
 * With fortitude amazing.

She said, "Someone I must elect Poor to protect
 * From all who wish to harm her.

Since worthy is dead I rather feel inclined to wed
 * A comfortable farmer.

A comfortable farmer came ( was his name)
 * Who had no end of treasure:

He said, "My noble gal, be mine!" The noble gal did not decline,
 * But simply said, "With pleasure."

When this was told to At first he thought it rather odd,
 * And felt some perturbation,

But very long he did not grieve, He thought he could a way perceive
 * To such a situation!