THE WANDERING SHEPHERDESS.
You that do know what to true love belong,
I’ll tell you a story that lately was done:
At Oxford a merchant’s fair daughter did dwell,
Who for wit and beauty did others excel.
A noble young ’squire that lived hard by,
Upon this young lady did soon cast an eye,
And for to court her he thus did begin:
Thou fairest of creatures that ever was seen,
Do not be so cruel but yield unto me,
For without your love there’s no comfort for me;
And now give consent for to be my bride,
Or else I am ruined for ever he cry’d.
The lady with innocent smiles did reply,
’Tis pity so good like a creature should die,
When ’tis in my power your life to save,
So now I grant thee this that you do crave.
With eager embraces ho flew to her arms
And said, Thou hast ten thousand charms.
Which invited great monarchs to fall at your feet,
But I’ Ye got the prize, and my joys are complete.
