"Will you get up behind me?" the highwayman said "How far are you going?" replied the lad. "Three or four miles for what I know;" So he got up behind and away they did go. They rode till they came to a very dark lane, "Now," says the highwayman, "I will tell you plain, Deliver your money without fear or strife, Or else I will certainly take your sweet life." The boy found that there was no time for dispute, And so he alighted without fear or doubt; He tore his coat lining, the money pulled out, And amongst the long grass he strewed it about. The highwayman also jumped down from his horse, But little did he dream that it was for his loss; But before they could find all the money, they say The boy jumped on horseback and so rode away. The highwayman shouted and begg'd him to stay, But the boy would not hear him so kept on his way, And to his old master the whole he did bring, Horse, saddle, and bridle, a very fine thing. The master he came to the door and said thus:-- "What the deuce! has my cow turned into a horse?" "Oh, no, canny master, your cow I have sold, But was robbed on the road by a highwayman bold. "My money I strewed about on the ground, For to take it up the rogue lighted down, And while he was popping it into his purse, To make him amends I came off with his horse." The master he laughed till his sides he had to hold, He says, "For a boy thou hast been very bold; And as for the villain thou hast served him right, Thou hast put upon him a clean Yorkshire bite." He searched his bags and quickly he told, Two hundred pounds in silver and gold, And two brace of pistols; the lad said, "I vow, I think, canny master, I've sold well your cow." Then the boy for his courage and valour so rare, Three parts of the money he got for his share; Now since the highwayman has lost all his store, He may go a robbing until he gets more. THE YORKSHIRE TRAGEDY; OR, A WARNING TO ALL PERJUR'D LOVERS. Parents you that have children, pray Unto these lines attention give; And unto God for mercy crave, To be your guide while you live. For in Yorkshire, I do declare, There is a town call'd Thursk by name, Near to the city of York so fair; Went thence a gentleman of fame. For to enjoy a fair estate Of sixteen hundred pounds a year; And with him went his virtuous wife, Two sons, likewise two daughters fair. When he had full possession took, He was unto the poor most kind, For he to charity, indeed, And serving God, was much inclin'd. Yet 'twas his most unhappy fate, His youngest child to dote upon, And also did his wife, indeed, And that their ruin it begun. This youngest daughter whom we hear, Had many suitors far and near, But none could then obtain her love And yet for truth I shall declare.