There was a youth, and a well-beloved youth,
And he was the squire's son,
And he loved the bailiff's daughter
That dwelt in Islington.

But when his friends did understand
His fond and foolish mind,
They sent him off to fair London,
An apprentice for to bind.

And it's there he toiled for seven long years
And never his love did see
Till it chanced one day that he rode by
Where she sat in the shade of a tree.

She sprang to her feet with color so red,
Catching hold of his bridle rein,
"One penny, one penny, kind sir," she said,
"Will ease me of much pain!"

"Before I give you one penny, sweetheart,
Pray tell me where you were born."
"In Islington, kind sir," she said,
"Where I have had many a scorn."

"I prithee, sweetheart, tell to me,
Pray tell me if you know
The bailiff's daughter of Islington?"
"She died, sir, years ago."

"If she be dead, then take my horse,
My saddle and bridle also,
And I will to some far country
Where no man may me know."

"Oh stay, oh stay, thou goodly youth!
She standeth by thy side!
She is not dead, but here alive
And ready to be thy bride!"