PART II.
[ Of a blind beggars daughter so bright,
That late was betrothed to a young knight,
All the whole discourse therof you did see,
But now comes the wedding of pretty Bessee.
]
It was in a gallant palace most brave,5
Adorned with all the cost they could have,
This wedding it was kept most sumptuously,
And all for the love of pretty Bessee.
And all kind of dainties and delicates sweet
Was brought to their banquet, as it was thought meet;10
Partridge, and plover, and venison most free,
Against the brave wedding of pretty Bessee.
The wedding thro' England was spread by report,
So that a great number thereto did resort,
Of nobles and gentles of every degree,15
And all for the fame of pretty Bessee.
To church then away went this gallant young knight,
His bride followed after, an angel most bright,
With troops of ladies, the like was ne'er seen,
As went with sweet Bessee of Bednall Green.20
This wedding being solemnized then,
With music performed by skilfullest men,
The nobles and [gentles sat down at that tide],
Each one beholding the beautiful bride.
But after the sumptuous dinner was done,25
To talk and to reason a number begun,
And of the Blind Beggars daughter most bright,
And what with his daughter he gave to the knight.
Then spoke the nobles, "Much marvel have we
This jolly blind beggar we cannot yet see!"30
"My lords," quoth the bride, "my father so base
Is loathe with his presence these states to disgrace."