And though she was of favour most faire,
Yet seeing she was but a poor beggar’s heyre.
Of ancyent housekeepers despisèd was she,
Whose sons came as suitors to pretty Bessee.
III
Wherefore in great sorrow fair Bessy did say,
‘Good father, and mother, let me go away
To seek out my fortune, whatever it be.’
This suit then they granted to pretty Bessee.
IV
Then Bessy, that was of beauty so bright,
All clad in grey russet, and late in the night,
From father and mother alone parted she;
Who sighèd and sobbèd for pretty Bessee.
V
She went till she came to Stratford-le-Bow;
Then knew she not whither, nor which way to go:
With tears she lamented her hard destinìe,
So sad and so heavy was pretty Bessee.
VI
She kept on her journey until it was day,
She went unto Rumford along the high way;
Where at the Queen’s Arms entertainèd was she:
So fair and well favoured was pretty Bessee.