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The London Prentice.
A London lad I was,
a merchant’s prentice bound,
My name's George Barnwell that did ſpend
my maſter many a pound.
As I upon a certain day,
was walking through the ſtreet,
About my matter’s buſineſs
a wanton I did meet;
A gallant dainty dame
and ſumptuous in attire,
With ſmiling look we greeted me
and did my name require.
In faith my boy, ſald ſhe,
ſuch news I can thee tell,
As ſhall rejoice the very heart,
ſo came where I do dwell.
Good Barnwell, then quoth ſhe,
do thou to Shoreditch come,
And ask for Mrs Millwood’s houſe
next door unto the gun.
At night I knocked at the door,
and ſhe herſelf came down,
Ruſling in moſt rich attire,
her hood and ſilken gown.
She took me by the hand
and with a modeſt grace,
Welcome ſweet Barnwell, then ſaid ſhe,
unto this homely place.
