As the autograph signature of this ill-starred but lovely and exemplary young lady is but little known, I append a fac-simile,
which no doubt will add to the interest of the following ballad. The ballad was sung to the tune of "The Frog Galliard."
As I to Ireland did pass,
I saw a ship at anchor lay,
Another ship likewise there was,
Which from fair England took her way.
This ship that sail'd from fair England,
Unknown unto our gracious king,
The lord chief justice did command,
That they to London should her bring.
I then drew near and saw more plain,
Lady Arabella in distress,
She wrung her hands, and wept amain,
Bewailing of her heaviness.
When near fair London Tower she came,
Whereas her landing place should be,
The king and queen with all their train,
Did meet this lady gallantly.
"How now, Arabella," said our good king,
Unto this lady straight did say,
"Who hath first try'd thee to this thing,
That you from England took your way?"
"None but myself, my gracious liege,
"These ten long years I have been in love,
With the lord Seymour's second son,
The earl of Hertford, so we prove: