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THE CRUEL FATHER.
A Lady's daughter in the west,
about the age of twenty,
And she had sweethearts of the best,
both Lords and Squires in plenty.
But she ador'd her father's clerk,
above all men of honour.
But she ador'd her father's clerk,
and she would have no other.
Her father oft-times to her said,
when he alone did meet her,
Do you mean to disgrace our blood,
you fond and foolish creature?
To go and marry with a slave,
that has neither birth nor breeding.
Sure I no portion will you give,
if this be your proceeding.
O than honoured father, she reply'd,
I pray you use your pleasure,
For I adore my dearest joy
above all worldly treasure.
With him I mean to live and die,
