There was a youth and a well beloved youth,
And he was a squire's son;
He loved a bailiff's daughter dear,
That lived in Islington.
Now when his friends did understand,
His fond and foolish mind,
They sent him up to London town,
An apprentice for to bind.
Now when he had been seven long years,
No trace of her could he find;
"Many's the tear have I shed for her sake,
When she little thought of me."
Then all the maids of Islington
Went forth to sport and play
All but the bailiff's daughter dear
She secretly stole away.
And as she walked along the high road,
The weather being hot and dry;
She sat her down on a green bank,
And her true-love came riding by.
She started up with colour so red,
Catching hold of his bridle rein;
"One penny, one penny, kind sir," she said,
"Will ease me of much pain."
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"Before I give you a penny, fair maid,
Pray tell me where you were born?"
"At Islington, kind sir," she said,
"Where I've had many's the scorn."
"I prithee, maiden, tell to me,
Pray tell me whether you know,
The bailiff's daughter of Islington?"
"She is dead, sir, long ago."
"If she be dead, then take my horse,
My saddle and bridle also;
For I will to some far country,
Where no one shall me know."
"Oh stay, oh stay, thou goodly youth,
She standeth by thy side;
She is here alive, she is not dead,
But ready to be thy bride."
"Oh farewell grief, and welcome joy,
Ten thousand times therefore;
For now I've found mine own true love,
Whom I thought I should never see no more."
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