"And thus we have lived in Fortune's despyght,
Though poor, yet contented, with humble delight,
And in my old years, a comfort to me,
God sent me a daughter, called pretty Bessee.
"And thus, ye nobles, my song I do end,105
Hoping by the same no man to offend;
Full forty long winters thus I have been,
A silly blind beggar of Bednall Green."
Now when the company every one
Did hear the strange tale he told in his song,110
They were amazed, as well as they might be,
Both at the blind beggar and pretty Bessee.
With that the fair bride they all bid embrace,
Saying, "You are come of an honourable race;
Thy father likewise is of high degree,115
And thou art right worthy a lady to be."
Thus was the feast ended with joy and delight;
A happy bridegroom was made the young knight,
Who lived in great joy and felicity,
With his fair lady, dear pretty Bessee.120
[1-4]. This stanza is wrongly placed at the end of the First Part in the copy from which we reprint. In ed. 1723 it does not occur. v. 3. therof you did, Percy, for, therefore you may.
[23]. gentlemen down at the side.
[50]. may.
[74]. look to us then the truth.