[illustration] depiction of a man with staff and money purse
[illustration] depiction of a man and a woman
VVEll met my pritty Betty
happy be our Meeting,
I prethee on me take pitty,
and thus he fell a Greeting:
Thou art she whom I love so dear,
above all worldly Treasure,
There's no Love with mine can compare,
I love thee beyond all measure.
Bettys Reply to John.
I wonder John, how it came about,
that you should love so dearly,
I fear you do but jeer and flout,
I prethee don't come near me;
And don't stand prating at this rate,
but I prethee now be going,
Or with my Ladle i'le break thy Pate,
for I like no deceitful Wooing.
I prethee Betty be not Coy,
but let's enjoy the Blessing,
I'le tell thee what thoust enjoy,
of Goods I have possessing:
I have got a Yow and Lamb
with a Cow and Calf together,
have that will bravely stand,
will make thee a glad Mother,
[illustration] depiction of a man, hat in hand, and a woman with fan
[illustration] depiction of musicians playing on a balcony above people sitting at table, with more people standing in an adjoining room
I have a Cupboard and three Chairs,
with Dishes and a Ladle,
Beside a Barrel to hold good Beer,
also a Nursing Cradle:
I have Spindles, Whirls and Reels,
with Feather-Bed and Bedding,
And a new Spinning-Wheel,
which thou shalt have at our Wedding.
I have a little Dog to Bark,
if any come to fright thee,
My House is as safe as Noahs Ark,
in which I will delight thee:
The pritty Crickets they do sing,
whilst I am in the Barn a Thrashing,
They'l be Pleasing when thou dost Spin,
or Bake, Brew, or Washing.
My Mother left me twenty hives of Bees
which will yield good store of Honey,
We'l gather up all and none we'l leese,
it will bring us good store of Money:
I have eight Pigs and a Sow,
with Hens and Chickens plenty,
I have beside all this, I vow,
two Brood-Geese and Gossins twenty.
I have got a gay Gold Ring,
for my pritty Betty,
And i'le please thee in every thing,
then I prethee on me take pitty:
A black Scarf spick and span New,
Gloves and Ribbons, newest Fashion,
If thou wilt have me tell me now,
and don't put me into a passion.
The Maid began of smile at this,
and was pleas'd at his Fancy,
The Bargain she Seal▪d with a Kiss,
and said, John's the Man I sancy
Thou shalt be my hearts delight,
and I will be thy Honey,
We'l work together day and night,
and I hope we shall ne'r want Money.
The day appointed was with speed,
when they was to be Marry'd,
Their Friends likewise did agree,
that nothing should be miscarry'd:
There was both Wine, Ale and Beer,
all sorts of Provision plenty,
A Noise of Musick their hearts to chear,
Strawberries and Cream most dainty.
Then they to Dancing went,
each Lad then with their Lasses,
They kiss'd each Lass with their consent,
so the time away they passes:
The Fidler sung them a Merry Song,
which caused much Laughter,
And John began for to think long,
for the Pastime he should have after.
By E. W.