Thy father likewise is of noble degree, And thou art well worthy a lady to be." Thus was the feast ended with joy and delight, A bridegroom most happy then was the young knight; In joy and felicity long lived he, Here endeth The rarest ballad that ever was seen of Bethnal Green. A doleful story you shall hear, Who did in honour far surmount Sore sick he was, and like to die, In love they lived, in love they died, The one a fine and pretty boy, As plainly doth appear, When he to perfect age should come, Three hundred pounds a year. And to his little daughter, Jane, "Now, brother," said the dying man, Look to my children dear, 66 Be good unto my boy and girl- "You must be father and mother both, And uncle, all in one : God knows what will become of them, When I am dead and gone." With that bespake their mother dear: O brother kind!" quoth she, 66 "You are the man must bring our To wealth or misery. 66 [babes And if you keep them carefully, Then God will you reward; But if you otherwise should deal, God will your deeds regard." With lips as cold as any stone They kissed their children small, God bless you both my children dear!" 66 With that their tears did fall. These speeches then their brother spoke, To this sick couple there: The parents being dead and gone, |