Note 41 — Chapter IV
Reading edition
Mr. J. P. Morris, in Notes and Queries, says—"Many collectors have endeavoured, but in vain, to find more of this old Lancashire ballad than the two verses given by Dr. Dixon, in his 'Songs and Ballads of the English Peasantry,' and by Mr. Harland, in his 'Ballads and Songs of Lancashire.' I have much pleasure in forwarding to Notes and Queries the following version, which is much more complete than any yet given:
"Long Preston Peggy to Proud Preston went, To view the Scotch Rebels it was her intent; A noble Scotch lord, as he passed by, On this Yorkshire damsel did soon cast an eye. He called to his servant, who on him did wait— 'Go down to yon maiden who stands in the gate, That sings with a voice so soft and so sweet, And in my name do her lovingly greet.' So down from his master away he did hie, For to do his bidding, and bear her reply; But ere to this beauteous virgin he came, He moved his bonnet, not knowing her name. 'It's, oh! Mistress Madame, your beauty's adored, By no other person than by a Scotch lord, And if with his wishes you will comply, All night in his chamber with him you shall lie.'"