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, 66 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 66 "You are the man must bring our To wealth or misery. [babes "And if you keep them carefully, 66 With that their tears did fall. These speeches then their brother spoke, 66 To this sick couple there: 'The keeping of your little ones, Sweet sister, do not fear: |