The Bailiff’s Daughter of Islington

[Verse 1]
There was a youth and a well-beloved youth
And he was the squire's son
And 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
Nor at any time would she to him
Any countenance show

[Verse 3]
But when his friends did understand
His fond and his foolish mind
They sent him up to fair London Town
An apprentice for to bind

[Verse 4]
And when he had been for seven long years
And never his love did see
Oh, many a tear havе I shed for her sake
Whilе she little thought of me

[Verse 5]
Then all the maids in Islington
Went forth to sport and play
All but the bailiff's daughter dear
Who silently stole away

[Verse 6]
Then she took off her silk and gown
And she put on her ragged attire
And she rode away to fair London Town
Her sweetheart to inquire

[Verse 7]
And there she went along the highroad
The weather being hot and dry
She sat upon the little green bank
And her true love came riding by

[Verse 8]
She started up with a colour so red
Catching hold of his bridle and reign
"Oh one penny, one penny, kind sir," she said
"Would ease me of much pain"

[Verse 9]
"Before I give you a penny, sweetheart
Pray tell me where were you born?"
"At Islington, kind sir," she said
"Where I have had many a scorn"

[Verse 10]
"Oh then, do maiden, tell to me
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 go to some far country
Where no man should there me know"

[Verse 12]
"O stay, O stay, thou goodly youth!
She standeth by thy side
She is here alive, she is not dead
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 thought I should never see more"