There was a youth, a well beloved youth, And he was a squire's son, He loved the bailiff's daughter dear, That lived in Islington. But she was coy and never would On him her heart bestow, Till he was sent to London town, Because he loved her so. When seven long years had passed away She put on mean attire, And straight to London she would go About him to inquire. And as she went along the road, Through weather hot and dry, She rested on a grassy load, And her true love came riding by. "Give me a penny, thou 'prentice good; Relieve a maid forlorn." "Before I give you a penny, sweet heart, Pray tell me where you were born." "Oh! I was born at Islington." "Then tell me, if you know, The bailiff's daughter of that place?" "She died, Sir, long ago." "If she be dead, then take my horse, My saddle and bridle also, For I will to some distant land, Where no man doth me know." "Oh, stay! oh, stay! thou goodly youth; She standed by thy side. She's here alive, she is not dead, And ready to be thy bride!"