I WAS brought up in Sheffield, but not of an high degree,

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.

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.