A wonder stranger ne'er was known Than what I now shall treat upon. In Suffolk there did lately dwell A farmer rich and known full well.
He had a daughter fair and bright, 5 On whom he placed his chief delight; Her beauty was beyond compare, She was both virtuous and fair.
There was a young man living by, Who was so charmed with her eye, 10 That he could never be at rest; He was by love so much possest.
He made address to her, and she Did grant him love immediately; But when her father came to hear, 15 He parted her and her poor dear.
Forty miles distant was she sent, Unto his brother's, with intent That she should there so long remain, Till she had changed her mind again. 20
Hereat this young man sadly grieved, But knew not how to be relieved; He sighed and sobbed continually That his true love he could not see.
She by no means could to him send, 25 Who was her heart's espoused friend; He sighed, he grieved, but all in vain, For she confined must still remain.
He mourned so much, that doctor's art Could give no ease unto his heart, 30 Who was so strangely terrified, That in short time for love he died.
She that from him was sent away Knew nothing of his dying day, But constant still she did remain, 35 And loved the dead, although in vain.
After he had in grave been laid A month or more, unto this maid He came in middle of the night, Who joyed to see her heart's delight. 40
Her father's horse, which well she knew, Her mother's hood and safe-guard too, He brought with him to testify Her parents order he came by.
Which when her uncle understood, 45 He hoped it would be for her good, And gave consent to her straightway, That with him she should come away.
When she was got her love behind, They passed as swift as any wind, 50 That in two hours, or little more, He brought her to her father's door.
But as they did this great haste make, He did complain his head did ake; Her handkerchief she then took out, 55 And tied the same his head about.
And unto him she thus did say: "Thou art as cold as any clay; When we come home a fire we'll have;" But little dreamed he went to grave. 60
Soon were they at her father's door, And after she ne'er saw him more; "I'll set the horse up," then he said, And there he left this harmless maid.