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
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
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
And when he had been for seven long years
And never his love did see
Oh, many a tear have I shed for her sake
While she little thought of me
Then all the maids in Islington
Went forth to sport and play
All but the bailiff's daughter dear
Who silently stole away
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
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
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"
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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"