"It is here given from three old printed copies, which exhibit a strange intermixture of Roman and black-letter. It is also collated with another copy in the Ashmole Collection at Oxford, which is thus entitled: "_An excellent ballad of George Barnwell, an apprentice of London, who ... thrice robbed his master, and murdered his uncle in Ludlow_. The tune is _The Merchant_." There is another copy in Ritson's _Ancient Songs_, ii. 156. Throughout the Second Part, the first line of each stanza has, in the old editions, two superfluous syllables, which Percy ejected; and Ritson has adopted the emendation. THE FIRST PART. All youths of fair Englànd That dwell both far and near, Regard my story that I tell, And to my song give ear. A London lad I was, 5 A merchant's prentice bound; My name George Barnwell; that did spend My master many a pound. Take heed of harlots then, And their enticing trains; 10 For by that means I have been brought To hang alive in chains. As I upon a day Was walking through the street, About my master's business, 15 A wanton I did meet. A gallant dainty dame And sumptuous in attire; With smiling look she greeted me, And did my name require. 20 Which when I had declar'd, She gave me then a kiss, And said, if I would come to her I should have more than this. "Fair mistress," then quoth I, 25 "If I the place may know, This evening I will be with you; For I abroad must go, "To gather monies in, That are my master's due: 30 And ere that I do home return I'll come and visit you." "Good Barnwell," then quoth she, "Do thou to Shoreditch come, And ask for Mrs. Milwood's house, 35 Next door unto the Gun. "And trust me on my truth, If thou keep touch with me, My dearest friend, as my own heart Thou shalt right welcome be." 40 Thus parted we in peace, And home I passed right; Then went abroad, and gathered in, By six o'clock at night, An hundred pound and one: 45 With bag under my arm I went to Mrs. Millwood's house, And thought on little harm. And knocking at the door, Straightway herself came down; 50 Rustling in most brave attire, With hood and silken gown. Who, through her beauty bright, So gloriously did shine, That she amaz'd my dazzling eyes, 55 She seemed so divine.