At viewing it well, she did find it to be The very same ring the knight threw into the sea. She smil'd when she saw it, and blest the kind fate, But did to no creature the secret relate. The maid in her place did all others excel, That the lady took notice, and liked her so well; Said she was born of some noble degree And took her her own companion to be. The hard hearted knight to this place he came, A little time after, with persons of fame; But was struck to the heart when he there did behold This charming young virgin in trappings of gold. Then he asked the lady to grant him a boon, And said, 'twas to talk with that virgin alone; The lady consented, and the young maid, Who quickly agreed, but was sorely afraid. When he did meet her, "Thou strumpet," said he, "Pray did not I charge you ne'er to meet me; This hour's your last, to the world bid good night, For being so bold to appear in my sight." Said she, "In the sea, sir, you flung your own ring, And bid me not see you, unless I could bring That ring unto you, and I have it," said she, "Behold, 'tis the same that was thrown into the sea!" When the knight saw the ring, he did fly to her arms; He kissed her, and swore she had a million of charms. Said he, "Charming creature, I pray pardon me, Who has often contrived the ruin of thee. "'Tis in vain to alter what fate has decreed, For I find thou wast born my dear bride to be." Then married they were, as I do hear say, And now she's a lady both gallant and gay. Then quickly unto her parents did haste, Where the knight told the story of all that was past; But asked both their pardons upon his bare knee, Which they give, and rejoice their daughter to see. Then they for the fisherman and his wife sent, And for their past trouble did give them content; But there was great joy by all those that did see The farmer's young daughter a lady to be. THE VIRGIN RACE; OR, YORKSHIRE'S GLORY.[190] Being an account of a race lately run at Temple-Newsham Green; none being admitted to run but such as were virgins. The first that came to the Two Miles' Race end was to have a silver spoon; the second, a silver bodkin; the third, a silver thimble; and the fourth, nothing at all. Tune "_New Game at Cards_." You that do desire to hear Of a virgin race run in York-shire, Come and listen, I'le declare, Such news before you ne'er did hear; For, I think, since the world begun, But seldom virgins races run. Four virgins that supposed were A race did run, I now declare; Sure such a race was never seen, As this at Temple Newsham Green; In half shirts and drawers these maids did run, But bonny Nan the race has won.