And many a gallant brave suitor had she,

For none was so comely as pretty Bessie. And though she was of favour most fair, Yet seeing she was but a poor beggar's heir,

Of ancient housekeepers despisèd was she,

Whose sons came as suitors to pretty Bessie.

Wherefore in great sorrow fair Bessie did say,

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Good father and mother, let me go

away

To seek out my fortune, whatever it be." This suit then they granted to pretty Bessie.

Then Bessie, that was of beauty so bright,

All clad in grey russet, and late in the night,

From father and mother alone parted she,

Who sighed and sobbèd for pretty Bessie.

She went till she came to Stratford-le

Bow;

Then knew she not whither nor which way to go:

With tears she lamented her hard destiny,

So sad and so heavy was pretty Bessie.

She kept on her journey until it was day, [highway; And went unto Rumford along the Where at the Queen's Arms entertainèd was she,

So fair and well-favoured was pretty Bessie.

She had not been there a month to an

end,

But master and mistress and all was her friend:

And every brave gallant that once did

her see, [Bessie. Was straightway enamoured of pretty

Great gifts they did send her of silver and gold,

And in their songs daily her love was extolled;

Her beauty was blazèd in every degree, So fair and so comely was pretty Bessie.

The young men of Rumford in her had their joy;

She showed herself courteous and modestly coy;

And at her commandment still would they be,

So fair and so comely was pretty Bessie.

Four suitors at once unto her did go; They craved her favour, but still she said "No; [with me: I would not wish gentles to marry Yet ever they honourèd pretty Bessie.

The first of them was a gallant young

knight,

And he came unto her disguised in the night;

The second a gentleman of good degree, Who wooed and suèd for pretty Bessie.

A merchant of London, whose wealth was not small,

He was the third suitor, and proper withal;

Her master's own son the fourth man must be,

Who swore he would die for pretty Bessie.

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And if thou wilt marry with me," quoth the knight,

I'll make thee a lady with joy and delight;

My heart's so enthralled by thy beauty,

That soon I shall die for pretty Bessie."

The gentleman said, “Come, marry with me,

As fine as a lady my Bessie shall be; My life is distressèd: oh, hear me,” quoth he;

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And grant me thy love, my pretty Bessie."

"Let me be thy husband," the merchant did say;

Thou shalt live in London both gallant and gay:

My ships shall bring home rich jewels for thee,

And I will for ever love pretty Bessie."

Then Bessie she sighed, and thus she did say:

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My father and mother I mean to obey;

First get their goodwill, and be faithful to me,

And you shall enjoy your pretty Bessie."