The Faithful Lovers Farewell
The Faithful Lovers Farewell: Or, Private Newes from Chatham
Described in a passionate Discourse betweixt a young Gentleman whose name was Iohn, and his fair Lady Betty, who having been newly Contracted, were suddenly Seperated before Marriage, in regard that he was instantly Commanded to take Shipping in an Expedition against the Dutch.
As I in a Meddow was walking,
some two or three Weekes ago,
I heard two Lovers a Talking,
and trampling too and fro;
The Female her name was Betty,
her dearly Belov’d was Iohn,
And both of them wonderous pretty,
(Ile tell you the rest anon.)
These Lovers were both combined
in mutual bonds of Love,
But Iohn was straightly injoyned
a little while to remove,
From her he did love above all things,
his fervent desire was such;
He now doth intend to do tall things,
By Engageing against the DUTCH.
BETTY.
Twas Betty that first complained,
Oh! why will you use me so,
As soon as affection is gained,
so speedily can you go,
And leave me in pyning sorrow
distressed upon the Shore;
If you do depart to Morrow
I never shall see thee more.
IOHN.
My dear (quoth Iohn) be not daunted,
(and smilingly look’d upon her)
My Service it cannot be wanted,
I’le bring thee both Wealth & Honor;
I cannot now well support thee,
and live like other Men:
But with Gold and silver I will Court thee
When I come a Shore agen.
BETTY.
(Quoth Betty) some other way studdy
to live with mee here on Shore;
The Battail will be very bloudy,
when all the great Guns do Roare,
Thou’lt either be drowning or burning
in Crimson Waves of Gore,
Whilst I sit here in my mourning,
And never shall see thee more.
IOHN.
Quoth Iohn, prethee leave thy dreaming
and be an obedient Wife,
I scorn that a Butter-box Flemming
should vapour away my Life;
The Duke of Yorke ventures his life too
with all his Royalty;
He’s a Prince that doth love his wife too
I warrant as well as I.
Good Princes are great Examples
for Loyal hearts to follow:
He that on Authority tramples,
I wish the Sea may swallow.
The Dutch-man was ever a Traitor
against their Soveraign;
We will make it cost him hott water
E’re I come a Shore againe.
Wee’l beat the Belgick-Boobies,
and gain their Guinny-Gold,
I’le bring the home Pearls and Rubies
as many as my Ship will hold;
I’le make my Betty shine Splendid
with Treasuries of the Main,
And royally be attended
When I come a Shore again.
BETTY.
Then Betty with a whimpring face
return’d these words agen,
I’le put me on a Masculine Case,
and pass for one of your Men;
I’le swear (if you’l believe me)
I’le fear no Wind nor Weather,
For I know it never will grieve me
If both of us dye together.
IOHN.
My Dear, I prethee leave pleading,
thou shalt not to Sea with me,
For I can tell by my reading
it will not convenient be,
Thou rather wilt hurt, and hinder me,
when we begin the Fray,
When Cleopatra put to Sea
MARK ANTHONY lost the day.
My very soul presages,
we shall be Victorious Men,
And cut out worke for Stages
when we returne agen.
Bett. Quoth she, I’le daily pray for thee
and every Power implore.
Ioh. Ile fight (qd. he) Oh then quoth she
I never shall see the more.
IOHN.
Said he, this Kiss a farewell gives
my time is drawing on,
He needs must go whom Honour drives.
Bett. Quoth she, adieu sweet Iohn.
Ioh. Quoth he, I’le make thee a Lady bright
I prethee then dry thine eye:
There’s many a wight is made a Knight
As little deserves as I.
Thus sad and heavy hearted
(their Kisses wash’d with tears)
These faithfull Lovers parted,
no case so sad as theirs;
Before they came to the Marriage Bed,
(so wofull is this Ditty)
E’re she had lost her Maiden-head,
Alack, the more’s the pitty.
FINIS.
EEBO Proquest ID Number: R180159