The Barnard-Castle Tragedy,
Shewing how one John Atkinson of Murton near Appleby, Servant to Thomas Howson, Miller,
at Barnard-Castle Bridge End, courted the said Howsons Sister; and after he had gaind her entire Affecti-
on by his wheedling Solicitations, left her disconsolate, and made Courtship to another, whom he mar-
ried by the treacherous Advice of one Thomas Skelton, who to save the Priests Fees, etc. Performd the
Ceremony himself; and upon her hearing the News, broke her Heart, and bled to Death on the Spot, this
being both true and tragical, tis hopd twill be a Warning to all Lovers. Tune of, Constant Anthony.
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YOung Men and Maidens all, I pray you now attend,
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Mark well this Tragedy which you find here pend,
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At Barnard-Castle Bridge End, an honest Man lives there,
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His Calling grinding Corn, for which few can compare.
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He had a Sister dear, in whom he took Delight,
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And Atkinson his Man wood her both Day and Night,
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Till thro Process of Time, he chaind fast her Heart,
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Which provd her overthrow by Deaths surprizing dart.
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False hearted Atkinson, with his deluding Tongue,
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And his fair Promises, hes this poor Maid undone;
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For when he found hed caught her fast in Cupids Snare,
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Then made he all alike, Bettys no more his Dear.
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Drinking was his Delight, his Senses to Doze,
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Keeping loud Company, when he shoud Repose;
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His Money being spent, and they woud tick no Score,
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Then with a Face of Brass, he ask[]d poor Betty more.
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He at length met with one, a serving Maid in Town,
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Who for good Ale and Beer, often woud pawn her Gown
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And at all Fours shed play, as many People know,
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A fairer Gamster, no Man could ever show.
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Tom Skelton, Ostler, at the Kings Arms does dwell,
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Who this false Atkinson did all his Secrets tell;
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He let him understand of a new Love hed got,
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And with an Oath he swore, shed keep full the Pot.
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Then for the Girl they sent, Betty Hardy was her Name,
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Who to her Mistress soon an Excuse did frame;
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Mistress I have a Friend at the Kings Arms doth stay,
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Which I desire to see before he go away.
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Then she goes to her Friend, who she finds ready there,
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Who catchd her in his Arms, how does my only Dear;
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She says Boys drink about, and fear no Reckonings large,
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For she had pawnd her Smock to defray the Chrage.
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They did carrouse it off, till they began to warm,
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Says Skelton, make a Match, I pray wheres the Harm?
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Then with a loving Kiss they straightway did agree,
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But they no Money had to give the Priest a Fee.
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Quoth Skelton seriously, the Priests Fee it is large,
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Ile marry you my self, and save you all the Charge;
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Then they plight their Troth unto each other there,
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Went two Miles from the Town, and goes to Bed we hear.
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Then when the Morning came by breaking of the Day,
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He had some Corn to grind, he could no longer stay;
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My Business is in haste, which I to thee do tell,
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So took a Gentle Kiss, and bid his Love Farewell.
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Now when he was come home, and at his Business there
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His Masters Sister came, who was his former Dear;
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Betty, he said, Im Wed, certainly I protest,
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Then she smild in his Face, surely you do but Jest.
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Then within few Days Space, his Wife unto him went,
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And to the Sign oth th Last, there she for him sent,
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The People of the House, finding what was in Hand,
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Stept out immediately, let Betty understand.
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Now this surprizing News, causd her fall in a Trance,
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Like as if she was dead, no Limbs she could advance,
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Then her dear Brother came, her from the ground he took,
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And she spake up and said, O my poor heart is broke.
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Then with all speed they went, for to undo her Lace,
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Whilst at her Nose & Mouth her hearts blood ran apace,
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Some stood half dead by her, others for help Enquire,
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But in a Moments Time, her Life it did expire.
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False hearted Lovers all, let this a Warning be,
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For it may well be calld Betty Howsons Tragedy.
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