We tarried all night and part of next day, For sweethearts we had got enough, The times being hard the lasses did spare, A glass of good gin for the Blues. Such sparkling young fellows sure never was seen, As the Blues and her Majesty too; You may search the world over and Yorkshire all through, There's none to compare to the Blues. The boats being ready these lads to jump in, The music so sweetly did play; They gave out their voices with three loud huzzas, Success to the Queen and her Blues.[197] FOOTNOTE: [Footnote 197: From a broadside _penes me_.] THE SHEFFIELD 'PRENTICE.[198] I was brought up in Sheffield, but not of an high degree, My parents doated on me, they had no child but me; I rolled in such pleasures, just where my fancy led, Then I was bound apprentice, and all my joys were fled. I did not like my master, he did not use me well, I made a resolution not long with him to dwell, Unknown to my parents from him I ran away, And steer'd my course to London on an unhappy day. A wealthy rich young lady from Holland met me there, And offered me great wages to serve her for a year, At last with great persuasion with her I did agree, To go and live in Holland which proved my destiny. I had not been in Holland passing half a year, Before my young mistress grew very fond of me, "My gold and my silver, my houses and my land, If you'll consent to wed with me shall be at your command." I said, "Dear honoured lady, I cannot wed you now, For I have lately promised and made a solemn vow To wed none but Polly, your pretty chambermaid, Excuse me my dear mistres', she has my heart betray'd." Then in an angry humour she went from me away, Resolved within herself to make me dearly pay, She was so much perplexed she could not be my wife, She soon contrived a tragedy to take away my life. One day we were talking in the garden, fine and gay, A viewing of the flowers that grew so fine and gay, The gold ring on her finger, as I was passing by, She slipped into my pocket and for it I must die. My mistress swore I'd robbed her and quickly I was brought Before a grave old justice to answer for my fault, Long time I pleaded innocent but that was all in vain, She swore point blank against me and I was sent to jail. Then our royal assizes were drawing on apace, Presently on me the judge a sentence past, To the place of execution they brought me to a tree, And may God forgive my mistress for she has wronged me. All you who come to see me now, hear before I die, Don't laugh at my downfall nor smile at my disgrace, Believe me I'm quite innocent, I bid this world adieu, Farewell my dearest Polly, I die thro' loving you. FOOTNOTE: [Footnote 198: From a broadside in Mr. Hailstone's coll., collated with one _penes me_.] THE YORKSHIRE VOLUNTEERS' FAREWELL TO THE GOOD FOLKS OF STOCKTON.[199]