The Crafty Princess.
PART I.
COME listen young lovers a while, and you’ll find
That crosses attend often true lovers kind,
The like in all ages was never in print,
No doubt but this will give you content.
It is of a great King, if I must be plain,
Who formerly lived in the Southern reign;
He had no more children than one daughter bright,
She pleased her father, and was his delight.
A neighbouring Prince came a visit one day,
It being their usual custom; as they say,
Love wounded the Princess so deep to her heart,
That she was much troubled when he did depart.
She being so beautiful, charming, and young,
Her old father said, with a deluding tongue,
Love, I have a fancy to marry with the,
Tho' thou art my child, thy looks charmeth me.
Dear honoured father, the Princess reply’d,
Sure you’re in jest. No, I am not, he cry’d,
Alas, my dear father! What makes you say so?
Such things are forbiden in scripture, you know:
Whilst God gives me breath, & endues me with grace,
I’ll act a child’s duty as it is my place,
He said, I’m resolved to make thee my wife,
Or else thy sweet charms will bereave me of life.
The lady burst out in a shower of tears;
And said, honoured father, you’re stricken in years,
And can have but short time on earth to remain,
'Tis Satan’s temptations puts this in your brain.
Prepare for your end, as your strength doth decay,
