Shaking her wet ears, out of doors she did run,
And dressed herself when this thing she had done;
To see this ball acted she then run her ways,
To see her fine dancing all gave her the praise. 120
And having concluded, the young squire he
Said, "From whence do you come, pray now tell me?"
Her answer was, "Sir, you shall know the same,
From the sign of the Bason of Water I came."
Then homeward she hurried, as fast as might be. 125
This young 'squire then was resolved to see
Whereto she belong'd, then follow'd Catskin:
Into an old straw-house he saw her creep in.
He said, "O brave Catskin, I find it is thee,
Who these three nights together has so charmed me; 130
Thou'rt the sweetest creature my eyes e'er beheld;
With joy and comfort my heart it is fill'd.
"Thou art the cook's scullion, but as I have life,
Grant me [but] thy love, and I'll make thee my wife,
And you shall have maids to wait at your call." 135
"Sir, that cannot be; I've no portion at all."
"Thy beauty is portion, my joy and my dear;
I prize it far better than thousands a year;
And to gain my friends' consent, I've got a trick;
I'll go to my bed and feign myself sick. 140
"There's none shall attend me but thee, I [profess],
And some day or other in thy richest dress
Thou shalt be drest; if my parents come nigh,
I'll tell them that for thee sick I do lie."
PART IV.
Having thus consulted, this couple partèd. 145
Next day this young 'squire took to his bed.
When his dear parents this thing perceiv'd,
For fear of his death they were heartily griev'd.
To tend him they sent for a nurse presently:
He said, "None but Catskin my nurse now shall be."150
His parents said, "No." He said, "But she shall,
Or else I'll have none for to nurse me at all."