LXII
‘And now, lest our foes our lives should betray,
We clothèd ourselves in beggars’ array;
Her jewels she sold, and hither came we:
All our comfort and care was our pretty Bessee.
LXIII
‘And here have we livèd in fortune’s despite,
Though poor, yet contented with humble delight:
Full forty winters thus have I been
A silly blind beggar of Bednall-green.
LXIV
‘And here, noble lords, is ended the song
Of one that once to your own rank did belong:
And thus have you learnèd a secret from me,
That ne’er had been known, but for pretty Bessee.’
LXV
Now when the fair company every one,
Had heard the strange tale in the song he had shown,
They all were amazèd, as well they might be,
Both at the blind beggar, and pretty Bessee.
LXVI
With that the fair bride they all did embrace,
Saying, ‘Sure thou art come of an hon’rable race;
Thy father likewise is of noble degree,
And thou art well worthy a lady to be.’