The Lady and the Handsome Butcher; May 22, 1770 (Parson's 2nd letter to Percy)
1
There was a Lady fine and gay
and unto the market she took her way
and some meat she went for to buy
Upon the Butcher She cast her Eye
2
She fell in love with the Butcher strait
and ever on him She cou’d wait
and all the words that she cou’d say
Were- the Butcher stole my heart away
3
Then She fell down upon the ground
and it was for the Butcher She did Swoon
and when She rose and came to herself
She of the Butcher did crave help
4
I cannot help you Lady gay
For I am promis’d another way
For I have here a sweet heart by
Whom I do love most tenderly
5
Then she went home immediately
and on the Bed she sick did lye
and all the words that she cou’d say
Were- the Butcher stole my heart away
6
The Butcher has a pretty face
And his Eyes are black as any Sloe
Ay and he has a head of hair
There’s none with the Butcher can compare
7
He has a steel hangs by his side
And that whereon he whets his knife
Ay, and a silver handle too
The Butcher made my heart to rue
8
His stockings are as white as milk
His Shoes as Black as any Jett
Ay, and his Silver Buckles too
He has wounded me- what shall I do?
9
In six nights time as you shall hear
The Spirit to him did appear
He being awake immediately
Upon the Spirit cast his Eye
10
What have I done fair Lady Gay
That you do trouble me night and day
The heavens above shall cross me here
If ever I do wrong my dear
11
I have two hundred Pounds in Gold
Which in a bag you may behold
And one of them I will bestow
Upon the Butcher- she said so
12
For to maintain your dear and you
And I no more will trouble you
For I lay in any innocent state
As it is all true lovers Fate