PART I.

You fathers and mothers, and children also, Come near unto me, and soon you shall know The sense of my ditty, for I dare to say, The like hasn't been heard of this many long day.

This subject which to you I am to relate, 5 It is of a 'squire who had a large estate; And the first dear infant his wife she did bare, Was a young daughter, a beauty most fair.

He said to his wife, "Had this but been a boy, It would please me better, and increase my joy; 10 If the next be of the same sort, I declare, Of what I am possessed it shall have no share."

In twelve months after, this woman, we hear, Had another daughter, of beauty most clear; And when her father knew 'twas a female, 15 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 nurs'd; Pray let it be sent into the country, For where I am, truly this child shall not be." 20

With tears his dear wife unto him did say, "My dear, be contented, I'll send her away." Then into the country this child she did send, For to be brought up by an intimate friend.

Altho' that her father hated her so, 25 He good education on her did bestow, And with a gold locket, and robes of the best, This slighted young damsel was commonly drest.

But when unto stature this damsel was grown, And found from her father she had no love shewn, 30 She cried, "Before I will lie under his frown, I am fully resolv'd to range the world round."