( 3 )
The reaſon of your happineſs
I would be glad to know!
Quoth Ralph, I’ll tell your Lordſhip
part of it before you go;
I pay my rent at quarter-day,
my mind is ever free;
I care for nobody, no, not I,
if nobody cares for me.
Thrice happy thou, who thus content,
can ever merry be
My whole eſtate I would freely give
to be as content as thee
Ralph ſmiling, ſhook his head, and ſaid,
my Lord, that cannot be,
Your Lordſhip cares for ſomebody,
and ſomebody cares for thee.
How can you ſay ſo, good Miller,
I pray thee tell to me,
And if you rightly me inſtruct,
ten thouſand ſhall be your ſee,
This ſum i will give, as ſure as I live
immediately unto thee.
When l can ſay, oh! happy day!
I care for nobody.
Quoth Ralph, your Lordſhip muſt refrain,
where flattering Knaves reſort;
God bleſs our gracious King and Queen,
I mean that place the court;
Leave pomp and pegeantry aſide;
