Covetous-minded Parents, or, the Languishing Young Gentlewoman

I Am a Damosel fair
of blooming Beauty;
Therefore I do declare
it is my Duty
My Parents to obey,
Father and Mother;
They'd have me Marry Gray,
I love another.

Gray hath five Thousand Pound,
in ready Money;
There Riches doth abound,
but yet my Honey

Whom I shall still adore,
brings Love and Pleasure,
The which I value more
than Gold and Treasure.

Good God what shall I do,
whom shall I matry?
Father and Mother too
constantly weary
Their Child to entertain
this wretched Miser;
For which they are to blame,
would they were wiser.

What are those baggs of Gold
without a Blessing?
My Dearest Love behold
he is possessing
My heart and all that's dear,
how can I leave him?
Heaven may prove severe
it I deceive him.

Before my Vow I'll break,
Death shall destroy me:
I will no other take,
he must enjoy me.
Though Friends continually
scorn and deride me;
With him I'll Live and dye,
what e're betide me.

Though Gray hath Riches store,
my Dear's above him;
Nay, had he ten times more,
I could not love him:
His Gold I count but dross,
dregs of confusion,
Which often proves a cross
in the conclusion.

Gold, Pearl and Silver bright
I ne'r desire
Give me my hearts delight,
whom I admire;
That Treasure I'd enjoy,
my sweetest jewel:
What grief will me destroy,
Parents are cruel.

Though tedious Nights I spend
in mournful weeping;
My Heart, intire Friend,
thou hast in keeping:
Bear up a cheerful mind,
let nothing grieve thee;
It I was not confin'd,
I'd never leave thee.

When my free liberty
once I recover;
I'll quickly be with thee
my loyal lover.
Though now with bitter mean,
grief does annoy me,
No man but thee alone
e're shall enjoy me.