Chapter 15

YOU fathers and mothers, and children also, Draw near unto me, and soon you shall know The sense of my ditty, and I dare to say, The like’s not been heard of this many a day.

The subject which to you I am to relate, It is of a young squire of vast estate; The first dear infant his wife did him bear, It was a young daughter of beauty most rare.

He said to his wife, ‘Had this child been a boy, ‘Twould have pleased me better, and increased my joy, If the next be the same sort, I declare, Of what I’m possessèd it shall have no share.’

In twelve months’ time after, this woman, we hear, Had another daughter of beauty most clear; And when that he knew it was but a female, Into a bitter passion he presently fell,

Saying, ‘Since this is of the same sort as the first, In my habitation she shall not be nursed; Pray let her be sent into the countrie, For where I am, truly, this child shall not be.’

With tears his dear wife unto him did say, ‘Husband, be contented, I’ll send her away.’ Then to the countrie with speed her did send, For to be brought up by one was her friend.

Although that her father he hated her so, He a good education on her did bestow; And with a gold locket, and robes of the best, This slighted young damsel was commonly dressed.

And when unto stature this damsel was grown, And found from her father she had no love shown, She cried, ‘Before I will lay under his frown, I’m resolvèd to travel the country around.’