Part 2 — No 107 THE LADY AND PRENTICE

1 'Twas of a brisk young lady And of a 'prentice boy. They courted one another, And he was all her joy; The 'prentice boy was banish'd Unto a foreign shore, And sad at heart he fancied He'd never see her more. 2 There came that way a squire A man of high degree, Said he: 'I'll give you wages Be servant unto me.' But oh! the fair young lady She piteously did cry All for the love she bore him She thought that she must die. 3 Now first he was in stable, With horses at the stall, And then advanced to table, And servèd in the hall. And next he was advancèd As butler to the same And for his good behaviour A steward last became. 4 O then into a lottery He put his money down, He drew a prize and gainèd Full twenty thousand pound. 'Farewell, farewell my master! Farewell, my lady kind! For I must seek my own true love That tarrieth behind.' 5 He dress'd himself in velvet, In gold and silver braid; And so returned to England To his true love with speed. And when he did espy her T'embrace her did essay, But from his arms she started And frightened drew away. 6 'Your gold and shining silver Your velvets I defy I love a humble 'prentice I'll love him till I die.' 'O lady fair! my only, Return unto my arms. I many years was banish'd And might not see your charms.' 7 Then closely she observed him, And knew him now again. Her smiles dispelled her fears As sun disperseth rain. With kisses out of measure She clasped him to her heart, 'O now we meet together, We never more shall, part.'