Classic Poem

When I was bound for London a lady met me there,
She offered me high wages to serve her for one year,
To go with her to Holland with her I did agree,
Making my way from London, and cursed was the day.

I did not serve my mistress one year or two
Until my wealthy mistress proved very fond of me.
She said she'd gold, she'd silver, she'd horses, she had lands,
If I would only marry her to be at her command.

I said, "My honoured mistress, I cannot wed you both,
For I've already promised and made a solemn oath
I'd court no-one but Sally, your handsome waiting-maid,
Excuse me, dear mistress, she has my heart betrayed.'

My mistress in a passion and from me she did flew.
She said she'd play a project that'd prove my overthrow.
She slipped a ring from her middle finger as I did pass her by,
She slipped it in my pocket and she sweared that I should die.
My mistress said I'd robbed her. I was straightway sent to gaol.