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EBBA 31038

British Library - Roxburghe
Ballad XSLT Template
THE
Woman Outwitted:
OR, THE
Weavers Wife cunningly catchd in a Trap,
by her Husband, who sold her for ten Pounds, and
sent her to Virginny.
To an excellent new Tune.

NOt far from hence, there dwelt,
an honest Man a Weaver,
He had a Wife she was witty and fair,
but her Wit it did deceive her;
She was a Grain too light,
she calls him Fool and Ninny;
Which made the Man then often say,
Ill go unto Virginny.

Altho he hard did work,
he neer could live in quiet,
She said her Cloathing was too base,
so was her homely Diet;
Tho nothing she did want,
as he could buy for Money,
Which made the Man then often say,
Ill go unto Virginny.

She lovd a lusty Lad,
and vowd shed love him ever,
At last her Husband found a Trick
these loving Mates to sever:
Your notes, quoth he, Ill quickly change,
that now so sweetly sing ye;
Unto a Merchant straight he went
that sailed to Virginny:

He coming then unto the Ship,
Of Women you are lacking,
And I have one that I can spare,
and her I will send packing:
The Times are very hard,
Ill sell my Wife for Mony,
She is good Merchandize you know,
when you come to Virginny.

If she be young, bring her on board,
and I will entertain her;
But tell to me the lowest price,
for I must be some Gainer.
Ten Pound he answered,
I cannot bait one penny;
She is good Merchandize you know
when you come to Virginny.

Then he came home unto his Wife,
and said that he was packing;
This joyful news revivd her mind,
and set her Heart a leaping;
And smiling to herself, she said,
Then farewel Goodman Ninny,
My Love with me shall merry be
when you are at Virginny.

One thing I do desire of thee,
to see me, my Dear, take shipping.
Ay, that I will, my Love, said she,
and seemd to fall a weeping;

A bottle of Strong-waters good
I will bestow upon thee,
For fear that you should be Sea-sick
a sailing to Virginny.

Then come into the Ship,
the Captain bid theem welcome,
He led them into his Cabin,
whereas such Guess came seldom:
He stepped forth unto her Husband,
and paid him down the Money,
Who straight took Boat and rowd on shor[e]
and sent her unto Virginny.

But when she saw that he was gone,
and that she there was staid,
She bitterly did wail and weep,
and said she was betrayd;
Take me, said she, with you,
Ill never more offend thee,
He cryd, farewel sweet Wife, adieu,
God send you to Virginny.

Then presently they hoist up Sail,
and had good Wind and Weather,
And seven long weeks they were at Sea,
before that they came thither;
He for a Maiden sold her there,
for fifty pounds in Money,
And she another Husband had
when she came to Virginny.

They being parted thus,
so many Leagues asunder,
He carries Mony in his purse,
theres none to keep him under,
But governs all at home,
and with his Friends lives merry;
Now many one doth title him,
a Merchant of Verginny.


London: Printed by and for W.O. and are to be sold by C. Bates, in Pye-corner.

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