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EBBA 36255

Manchester Central Library - Blackletter Ballads
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A Lullaby.

COme little Babe, come silly Soule,
thy Fathets shame & Mothers grief,
Borne (as I doubt) to all our doles,
and to thyself unpappy chief:
Sing Lullaby, and wrap it warme,
Poore Soul it thinks no creature harm.

Thou little think'st, and least dost know
the cause of this his Mothers moane,
Thou wantst the wit to wayle her woe,
and I myself am all alone:
Why dost thou weep, why dost thou wail,
And knowst not now what thou dost ail?

Come little wretch, ah silly heart!
mine onely joy, what can I more?
If there be any wrong thy smart,
that may thy destinie, deplore;
'Twas I, I say against my will,
I waile the time, but be thou still.

And dost thou smile? Oh thy sweet face,
I would thy Dad the same might see,
No doubt but it would purchase grace,
I know it well, for thee and me:
But come to Mother, Babe, and play,
For Father false is fled away.

Sweet Boy, if it thy fortune chance.
thy Father home againe to send,
If Death doth strike me with his Lance,
yet may'st thou me commend?
If any aske thy Mothers name,
Tell how by love she purchas'd blame.

Then will his gentle heart soon yeeld,
I know him of a noble mind,
Although a Lyon in the field,
a Lamb in Town thou shalt him find,
Ask blessing Lad, be not afraid,
His sugred lips have me betray'd.

Then may'st thou joy and be right glad,
although in woe I seeme to moane:
Thy Father is no rascall Lad,
a noble Youth of blood and bone;
His glancing look, if he once smile,
Right honest Woman will beguile.

Come little Boy, and rock asleep,
sing Lullaby, and be thou still,
I that can doe nought else but weep,
will sit by thee and Lullaby,
God blesse my Babe and Lullaby
From this his Fathers quality.


Finis
London, Printed for J.W. dwelling in the Old-Bayly.

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