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For in time of war to the ſeas you muſt go,
And leave wife and children in ſorrow and wo;
I'm loth for to venture, and therefore forbear,
For I will not marry a ſhip carpenter.
But yet all in vain ſhe his ſwit did deny.
For ſtill unto love he's forc'd her to comply;
At length with his curning her heart he betray'd,
Unto lewd deſires he led her aſtray.
But when with child this young damſel did prove,
The tidings immediately ſhe ſent to her love,
And by the good Heavens he ſwore to be true,
Saying, I will marry none other but you.
This paſt on a while, at length we do hear;
The King wanted ſailors, to ſea he muſt ſteer,
Which griev'd the young damſel indeed to the heart,
To think with ſweet Will ſo ſoon for to part.
She ſaid, My dear Will, e'er ye go to ſea,
Remember the vows you made unto me;
And if that you leave me, I never ſhall reſt,
And why will you leave me with ſorrow oppreſt.
The kindeſt expreſſions he to her did ſay,
I'll marry my Molly ere I go away;
And if that to me to-morrow you come,
The prieſt ſhall be brought love, & all ſhall be done.
With kindeſt embraces they parted that night,
She went for to meet him the next morning light,
He ſaid, My dear charmer, you muſt go with me,
Before we are marry'd a friend for to ſee.
He led her through groves and vallies ſo deep,
At length this fair damſel began for to weep,
Saying, William, I fancy you lead me aſray,
On purpoſe my innocent life to betray.