False-hearted Atkinson, with his deluding tongue,

And his fair promises, he's this poor maid undone; For when he found he'd caught her fast in Cupid's

share,

Then made he all alike, Betty's no more his dear.

Drinking was his delight, his senses to doze,
Keeping lewd company, when he should repose;
His money being spent, and they would tick no score,
Then with a face of brass, he ask'd poor Betty more.

He at length met with one, a serving-maid in town, Who for good ale and beer often would pawn her gown,

And at all-fours she'd play, as many people know,
A fairer gamester no man could ever show.

Tom Skelton, ostler at the King's-arms does dwell,
Who this false Atkinson did all his secrets tell;
He let him understand of a new love he'd got,
And with an oath he swore, she'd keep full the pot.

Then for the girl they sent, Betty Hardy was her name, Who to her mistress soon an excuse did frame; Mistress, I have a friend at the King's-arms doth stay, Which I desire to see, before he go away.

Then she goes to her friend, who she finds ready there, Who catch'd her in his arms, how does my only dear,

She says, Boys drink about, and fear no reckonings

large,

For she had pawn'd her smock, to defray the charge.

They did carouse it off, till they began to warm,
Says Skelton make a match, I pray where's the harm?
Then with a loving kiss they straightway did agree,
But they no money had, to give the priest a fee.

Quoth Skelton seriously, the priest's fee is large,
I'll marry you myself, and save you all the charge;
Then they plight their troth unto each other there,
Went two miles from the town, and goes to bed we
hear.

Then when the morning came, by breaking of the day,
He had some corn to grind, he could no longer stay;
My business is in haste, which I to thee do tell,
So took a gentle kiss, and bid his love farewell.

Now, when he was come home, and at his business there,

His master's sister came, who was his former dear ;
Betty, he said, I'm wed, certainly I protest,
Then she smil'd in his face, sure you do but jest.

Then within few days space, his wife unto him went, And to the sign o' th' Last, there she for him sent, The people of the house finding what was in hand, Stept out immediately, let Betty understand.

Now this surprising news scaus'd her fall in a trance, Life as if she was dead, no limbs she could advance, Then her dear brother came, her from the ground he took

And she spake up and said, O my poor heart is broke.

Then with all speed they went, for to undo her lace, Whilst at her nose and mouth her heart's blood ran

apace

Some stood half dead by her, others for help inquire But in a moment's time, her life it did expire.

False hearted lovers all, let this a warning be,
For it may well be called Betty Howson's Tragedy.

SONG III.

STOCKTON'S COMMENDATION.

AN OLD SONG.

To the Tune of Sir John Fenwick's the flower amang them.

COME brave spirits, that love Canary,

And good company are keeping,
From our friends let's never vary,
Let your muse awake from sleeping.
Bring forth mirth and wise Apollo;
Mark your eyes on a true relation :
Virgil, with his pen, shall follow,

In ancient Stockton's commendation.

Upon the stately river Tees,

A goodly castle there was placed, Nigh joining to the ocean seas,

Whereby our country was much graced; Affording rich commodities,

With corn and lead unto our nation; Which makes me sing with cheerful voice,

Of ancient Stockton's commendation.

In sixteen hundred thirty-five,
And about the month of February,
Three Stockton-men they did contrive,
To see their friends, and to be merry:
Part of their names I shall describe,

And place them down in comely fashion, There was William, John, and Anthony, Gain'd ancient Stockton commendation.

To famous Richmond first they came,
And with their friends a while remained,
Middleham there, that town of fame,
Whereby much credit they obtained:
Being merry on a day,

A challenge came in this same fashion,
A match at foot-ball for to play;

But Stockton got the commendation.

Three Middleham-men appointed were,
And stakes put down on either party;
Stockton-men cast off all fear,

For Bishopric was always hearty:
Then those three Middleham-men did yield,
And for their loss they seem'd to murmer;
There was but one came to the field,

The other two at home remained.