But then, at last, a grocer's son, A courting to this maiden went, Who, in a short time, for truth we hear, Brought this young maiden to consent; For to be his lawful bride, If that her parents would agree; "Or else, my love, I ne'er must yield, Indeed, my dear, your bride to be." With that he to her parents went, To ask of them their free good will, Which they, poor souls, did soon consent, So now observe what them befel. For when he'd gain'd her friends' consent, He then most treacherous did prove; But pray observe, and all beware You ne'er prove treacherous in love. He to this maiden went, we hear, A visit unto her to pay, But with a false and treacherous heart, He to this maiden fair did say, "I'd have you now forthwith to go, And get your father to agree To settle on me his estate, Or else my bride you ne'er shall be." At this she burst forth into tears, Saying, "Can you so cruel be, For unto that I can't presume." "Then fare thee well," replied he. When he had left her all in woe, She yielded to the devil's will, Who did put her in a way These cruel murders to fulfil. She strait some miles from York did go, And there she bought some poyson strong; So, then, poor wretch, without delay, She home again did soon return. Her father, when she did return, Said, "Child, your tender mother dear, Unto a christ'ning she is gone;" So parents all, take warning here. Her father, for her safe return, A bowl of punch prepared had, And she help'd to make it herself, So mix'd the poyson in with speed. Then strait she feigned herself sick, Saying, "To bed I must now go." This was because she would not drink-- To work her own great overthrow. Her father and her brothers dear, They all around the bowl was set, And then began to drink the same, Not thinking poyson was in it. And when the bowl of punch was out, Her mother she returned home, Whose husband said, "My loving wife, Your daughter Ruth is safe return'd." At this her mother did rejoice, Saying, "This news I'm glad to hear." But oh! poor souls, they little thought Their latter end it was so near. For when to bed they all did go; But oh! next morning, as 'tis said, Her father, brothers, and sister dear, Were all found dead within their bed. Next morning the old lady found Her husband dead within the bed, So she call'd for her daughter dear, For to come up to her with speed. But she not coming, she strait went Unto her cruel daughter dear, That had this sad destruction wrought; So, parents all, I pray draw near. She said, "My child, I pray get up, For your dear father he is dead." She seem'd amaz'd, and straitway cry'd, "Oh! then I'm ruined," she cry'd.