An Answer to
The Unconstant Maiden
CONTAINING
The sorrowfull Bride's bitter Tears and Passion for her Disloyalty
to her first Love, whom she left, and married another after they were sure
together, while he came to London.
To the Tune of The Unconstant Maiden. Licensed according to Order.
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I.
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I Am a mournfull Bride,
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almost distracted;
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Kind Heavens be my Guide,
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how have I acted,
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Unto my Loyal Love,
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who did adore me,
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I did false-hearted prove,
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who can restore me?
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II.
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That pleasant sweet Delight,
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and double Blessing,
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The which both day and night
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I was possessing,
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Before I broke my Vow
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when my Love parted;
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Conscience oh! tells me now,
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I was false-hearted.
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III.
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A sumptuous Ring of Gold
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my Jewel gave me,
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On which, dear Friends, behold,
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he did engrave me
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This Posie on the same,
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Think on the Giver;
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Who will adore thy Name,
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Lady for ever.
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IV.
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This Ring I did receive,
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and Vows did make him,
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Who did that day believe,
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I'd ne'er forsake him.
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Long he was not in Town,
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e'er I was married;
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Fortune on me doth frown,
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would I had tarried.
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V.
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Since I have wrong'd my Dear,
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Fortune ordain'd me
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No Peace or Quiet here,
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Conscience arraigns me
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For this Unconstancy
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sleeping and waking,
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I ready am to dye
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my Heart is breaking.
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VI.
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At first I did pretend
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my Love did leave me,
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In this I did offend,
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if you'll believe me;
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The Fault was mine alone,
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for he did love me,
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There was not any one
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he priz'd above me.
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VII.
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He that enjoys me now,
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here I assure him,
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Since I have broke my Vow,
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I can't endure him;
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Tempted I was to Wed,
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True Love to sever,
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But now I loth his Bed,
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and shall for ever.
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VIII.
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Down from my melting eyes
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the Tears did trickle,
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Why did a fond surprize
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make me thus fickle?
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First, to oblige by Oath
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and Vows I'd tarry,
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Yet streight did break them both,
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when I did Marry.
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IX.
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You Loyal Lovers all
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that hears this Story,
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Pity my wofull Fall
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my blasted Glory;
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I'll languish in despair
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robb'd of all pleasure,
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My Grief is I declare,
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still out of measure.
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FINIS.
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