Fancys Freedom.
OR
The true Lovers bliss.
Exactly set forth in the faithful and constant affection of a Gentlemans daughter,
who fell in Love with her Fathers Serving-man, she having a Thousand pound
left her by an Uncle, and how they were married (notwithstanding all oppo
sition) and livd happily to their hearts content.
In spite of Fate True Love shall crowned be
And wear a Garland for its loyalty.
Tune of, Amarillis, or, Phillis on the new made hay, etc.
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ALL in the West of England fair
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I heard a story of a pair,
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Of Lovers that united were,
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in heart and true affection,
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Twas Cupids darts did wound their hearts
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and brought them in subjection.
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A young man being left forlorn
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Though of good Parents he was born,
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Yet did he count it for no scorn
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to look out for a Master,
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For every sore must have a salve
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and every wound a Plaister.
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He many days had not remaind
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Before a service he had gaind
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And bravely he was entertaind
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the story is aparent,
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A Master free, of high degree
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did take him for his servant.
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Where he behavd himself so well
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That all the rest he did excel:
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Now who but John must bear the b[e]ll
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his Master lovd him dearly:
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Both great and small would for him call
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twas he they fancyd clearly.
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BUt mark what after came to pass,
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His Masters only Daughter was,
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A gallant buxome lively Lass
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and fancyd John most neatly,
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Cause he was gay, and knew the way
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to please a Maid compleatly.
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O John quoth she, I must be bold
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My mind to thee for to unfold,
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Thy Love I value more then Gold
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then prethy John befriend me,
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For why thou hast my heart in hold
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grant love or death will end me.
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When John had heard her speak the same
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He thought it best to mind his game,
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Quoth he most dear, and Lady fair
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I think you do but jeer me,
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To bring me into Cupids snare
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and leave me there I fear it.
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Besides you know my fortunes low,
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And you are far to high to bow,
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If that your father should it know,
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what think you would betide me,
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Some woful fate besides his ha[t]e
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he never would abide me.
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Pish fye quoth she you know I have,
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Enough to keep us fine and brave
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What though my father tear and rave
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we need not fear his anger,
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Since we have Gold thou maist be bold
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therefore delay no longer.
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A thousand pound my own must be
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Lent by my Uncle unto me,
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All which I freely give to thee
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if thou wilt join in marriage,
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Because I see, thou art to me
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a man of comely carriage.
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Then Lady hers my heart and hand
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I am your servant at command,
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Your meaning well I understand
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which sets my heart on fire,
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Though friends oppose, I fear no foes
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you shall have your desire.
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And then they did exchange a kiss
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In token of true Lovers bliss
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And there agreed that with all speed
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in hast they will be married,
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Because delays doth danger breed
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they long enough had tarried.
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Next morning John did steal away
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His dearest love and Lady gay,
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Whilst the Sun shind for to make hay
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for fear of blustring weather,
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Where at that tide, he wed his bride
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and they were joynd together.
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But when her father heard the news
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For very grief he could not chuse,
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I do presume but fret and fume
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he a[l]most was distracted,
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Because his only Daughter was
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unto his man contracted.
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But by perswasions of a friend
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They brought the matter to good end
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Her father he at last did bend
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and yeilded to assist them
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Since twas too late, to cross their fate
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or strive for to resist them.
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And now they live in mirth and joy
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Free from care and all annoy,
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Belovd of all both great and small
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the Country round about them,
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The old man he will not agree
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to live one day without them.
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