Part 5 (2/2)
Thou long time his love did know; Why shouldst thou not use him best?
_Nan._ Bonny d.i.c.k, I will not forsake My bonny Rowland for any gold: If he can dance as well as Pierce, He shall have my heart in hold.
_Pierce._ Why, then, my hearts, let's to this gear; And by dancing I may won My Nan, whose love I hold so dear As any realm under the sun.
_Gentleman._ Then, gentles, ere I speed from hence, I will be so bold to dance A turn or two without offence; For, as I was walking along by chance, I was told you did agree.
_Friend._ 'Tis true, good sir; and this is she Hopes your wors.h.i.+p comes not to crave her; For she hath lovers two or three, And he that dances best must have her.
_Gentleman._ How say you, sweet, will you dance with me?
And you [shall] have both land and [hill]; My love shall want nor gold nor fee.
_Nan._ I thank you, sir, for your good will; But one of these my love must be: I'm but a homely country maid, And far unfit for your degree; [To dance with you I am afraid.]
_Friend._ Take her, good sir, by the hand, As she is fairest: were she fairer, By this dance, you shall understand, He that can win her is like to wear her.
_Fool._ And saw you not [my] Nan to-day, My mother's maid have you not seen?
My pretty Nan is gone away To seek her love upon the green.
[I cannot see her 'mong so many:]
She shall have me, if she have any.
_Nan._ Welcome, sweetheart, and welcome here, Welcome, my [true] love, now to me.
This is my love [and my darling dear], And that my husband [soon] must be.
And, boy, when thou com'st home, thou'lt see Thou art as welcome home as he.
_Gentleman._ Why, how now, sweet Nan! I hope you jest.
_Nan._ No, by my troth, I love the fool the best: And, if you be jealous, G.o.d give you good-night!
I fear you're a gelding, you caper so light.
_Gentleman._ I thought she had jested and meant but a fable, But now do I see she hath play['d] with his bable.
I wish all my friends by me to take heed, That a fool come not near you when you mean to speed.
THE END
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