[ 4 ]
At last ventur'd up these valiant young men,
though armed with courage undaunted;
But took them for spirits, and run back again,
and swore that the house it was haunted.
As they retreated, the young man they met,
come shivering in at the door, Sir,
Who look'd like a rat, his clothes dripping wet,
no rogue that was pump'd could look worse, Sir.
They all were amaz'd to see him come in,
and asked him what was the matter!
He told him the story and where he had been,
which made them to burst into laughter.
Quoth the old man, O I was in a huff,
and reckon'd to cut them assunder,
Thinking that they'd been three soldiers in buff,
and come for to rifle and plunder.
But they're my three daughters whom I do adore,
all frighted from private diversion;
Therefore I'll put up my old rusty sword,
for why should I be in a passion!
All ye young maids that these lines revise,
that go out for to wash in the night;
Beware of the boys that are hid in the trees,
lest that they surprise you with fright.
THE REJECTED MAID.
LONG have I spent my time in vain,
By loving a young man did me disdain,
By loving a young man did me disdain,
Through woods and groves I took his part,
False is the man that has won my heart,
So deep is the wound and so great is the smart.
