(3)
Then straight to the house of the miller she went,
And told her that she by her cousin was sent,
To borrow a thing that was absolute rare,
A large cuckold’s cap which her husband did wear.
I do not deny but such things there may be,
Eut why should my cousin direct you to me!
These nineteen or twenty years I have been wed,
⟨And⟩ my husband had ne’er such a cap on his head.
But go to the Quaker that lives at the Swan,
If I am not mistaken, I think she has one,
And tell her, she’ll lend it I know for my sake,
And I for the same a great favour will take.
So she went to the house of old Yea and Nay,
And spoke to his wife that was youthful and gay;
Saying, I come for to borrow, if you will but lend
A large cuckold’s cap, I was sent by a friend.
The Quaker's wife nodded, and said with a frown,
I han’t such a thing if thou’d give me a crown;
Besides, I’d not lend it, suppose that I had,
For fear it should make my poor husband run mad.
In town there are many young women, perhaps
Are cunning and artful in making such caps;
But what are their nature, I cannot well say,
Therefore escuse me friend Joan, I thee pray.
Now Joan being tired, and weary withal,
Says she, I have no good fortune at all;
It is the beginning, I think of all sorrow,
To trudge up and down, and of neighbours to borrow.
A poor cuckold's cap, I would borrow indeed,
A thing of small value, but yet could not speed;
But as I’m a woman, adzooks, cries young Joan,
Before it be long, I’ll have one of my own.
A SMILING FULL BOWL.
WILL you credit a Miser, ’tis gold makes us wise,
