"But first, I will hear, and have it well known, The gold that you drop it shall be all you own;" 110 "With that," they replied, "contented we be;" "Then heres," quoth the beggar, "for pretty Bessee." With that an angel he dropped on the ground, And dropped, in angels, full three thousand pound; And oftentimes it proved most plain, 115 For the gentlemans one, the beggar dropped twain. So that the whole place wherein they did sit With gold was covered every whit; The gentleman having dropt all his store, Said, "Beggar, your hand hold, for I have no more. 120 "Thou hast fulfilled thy promise aright;" "Then marry my girl," quoth he to the knight; "And then," quoth he, "I will throw you down, An hundred pound more to buy her a gown." The gentlemen all, who his treasure had seen, 125 Admired the Beggar of Bednall Green. And those that had been her suitors before, Their tender flesh for anger they tore. Thus was the fair Bessee matched to a knight, And made a lady in others despite: 130 A fairer lady there never was seen Than the Blind Beggars daughter of Bednall Green. But of her sumptuous marriage and feast, And what fine lords and ladies there prest, The second part shall set forth to your sight, 135 With marvellous pleasure, and wished for delight. 6. And seeing. 91. Percy has _thicke_. PART II. Of a blind beggars daughter so bright,[L1] That late was betrothed to a young knight, All the whole discourse therof you did see, But now comes the wedding of pretty Bessee. It was in a gallant palace most brave, 5 Adorned with all the cost they could have, This wedding it was kept most sumptuously, And all for the love of pretty Bessee. And all kind of dainties and delicates sweet Was brought to their banquet, as it was thought meet; 10 Partridge, and plover, and venison most free, Against the brave wedding of pretty Bessee. The wedding thro' England was spread by report, So that a great number thereto did resort, Of nobles and gentles of every degree, 15 And all for the fame of pretty Bessee. To church then away went this gallant young knight, His bride followed after, an angel most bright, With troops of ladies, the like was ne'er seen, As went with sweet Bessee of Bednall Green. 20 This wedding being solemnized then, With music performed by skilfullest men, The nobles and gentles sat down at that tide,[L23] Each one beholding the beautiful bride.