The Bailiff's Daughter of Islington

By: Traditional

Verse 1

There was a youth and a well beloved youth And he was a squire's son; He loved the bailiff's daughter dear, That lived in Islington.

Verse 2

Yet she was coy and would not believe. That he did love her so, No, nor at any time would she Any countenance to him show.

Verse 3

But when his friends did understand, His fond and foolish mind, They sent him up to fair London town, An apprentice for to bind.

Verse 4

And when he had been seven long years, And never his love could see; "Many a tear have I shed for her sake When she little thought of me.

Verse 5

Then all the maids of Islington Went forth to sport and play; All but the bailiff's daughter dear, She secretly stole away.

Verse 6

She pulled off her gown of green, And put on some ragged attire; And to fair London she would go, Her true love to inquire.

Verse 7

And as she went along the high road, The weather being hot and dry, She sat her down upon a green bank And her true love came riding by.

Verse 8

She started up with a color so red, Catching hold of his bridle rein; "One penny, one penny, kind sir," she said, "Will ease me of much pain."

Verse 9

"Before I give you one penny fair maid, Pray tell me where you were born." "At Islington, kind sir," said she, "Where I have had many a scorn.

Verse 10

If that be so, I prithee, fair maid, Oh, tell me whether you know The bailiff's daughter of Islington?" "She is dead, sir, long ago."

Verse 11

"If she be dead, then take my horse, My saddle and bridle also; For I will into some far country Where no man shall me know.

Verse 12

"Oh stay, oh stay, thou goodly youth, She standeth by thy side; She is here alive, she is And ready to be thy bride."

Verse 13

Oh, farewell grief and welcome joy Ten thousand times therefore; For now I have found my own true love, Whom I tho't I never should see more."

The Bailiff's Daughter of Islington

Paul Clayton - Topic