His parents both wonder'd to hear him say thus,
That no one but Catskin must be his nurse;
So then his dear parents their son to content, 155
Up into the chamber poor Catskin they sent.
Sweet cordials and other rich things were prepar'd,
Which betwixt this young couple was equally shar'd;
And when all alone, they in each other's arms
Enjoy'd one another in love's pleasant charms. 160
At length on a time poor Catskin, 'tis said,
In her rich attire she then was array'd;
And when his mother the chamber drew near,
Then much like a goddess did Catskin appear.
Which caus'd her to startle, and thus she did say; 165
"What young lady's this, son, tell me I pray?"
He said, "It is Catskin, for whom I sick lie,
And without I have her with speed I shall die."
His mother ran down for to call the old knight,
Who ran up to see this amazing great sight; 170
He said, "Is this Catskin we hold so in scorn?
I ne'er saw a finer dame since I was born."
The old knight said to her, "I pry'thee tell me,
From whence dost thou come, and of what family."
Then who was her parents she gave them to know, 175
And what was the cause of her wandering so.
The young 'squire said, "If you will save my life,
Pray grant this young creature may be my wife."
His father reply'd, "Your life for to save,
If you are agreed, my consent you shall have." 180
Next day, with great triumph and joy, as we hear,
There were many coaches came far and near;
She much like a goddess drest in great array,
Catskin to the 'squire was married that day.
For several days this great wedding did last, 185
Where was many topping and gallant rich guests;
And for joy the bells rung all over the town,
And bottles of claret went merrily round.
When Catskin was married, her fame to raise,
To see her modest carriage all gave her the praise; 190
Thus her charming beauty the squire did win,
And who lives so great as he and Catskin?