Chapter 3

1

The second part I now unfold, As true a story as e'er was told, {p.298} Concerning of a lovely child, Who was obedient, sweet, and mild.

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This child did take his learning so, If you the truth of all would know, At eleven years of age indeed, Both Greek and Latin he could read.

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Then thinking of his cabinet, That was with pearls and jewels set, He asked his father for the key, Which he gave him right speedily;

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And when he did the same unlock, He was with great amazement struck When he the riches did behold, And likewise saw the chain of gold.

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But searching farther he did find A paper which disturbed his mind, That was within the cabinet, In Greek and Latin it was writ.

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_My child, serve God that is on high, And pray to him incessantly; Obey your parents, love your king, That nothing may your conscience sting._

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_At seven years hence your fate will be, You must be hanged upon a tree; Then pray to God both night and day, To let that hour pass away._

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When he these woeful lines did read, He with a sigh did say indeed, "If hanging be my destiny, My parents shall not see me die;

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"For I will wander to and fro, I'll go where I no one do know; But first I'll ask my parents' leave, In hopes their blessing to receive."

{p.299} 10

Then locking up his cabinet, He went from his own chamber straight Unto his only parents dear, Beseeching them with many a tear

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That they would grant what he would have-- "But first your blessing I do crave, And beg you'll let me go away, 'T will do me good another day."

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* * * * * * * * * * "And if I live I will return, When seven years are past and gone."

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Both man and wife did then reply, "I fear, my son, that we shall die; If we should yield to let you go, Our aged hearts would break with woe."

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But he entreated eagerly, While they were forced to comply, And give consent to let him go, But where, alas! they did not know.

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In the third part you soon shall find, That fortune was to him most kind, And after many dangers past, He came to Durham at the last.