A Noble Lord in Chester of fame and great renown, Once kill'd a man for pleasure, who was of mean account; His character was stained by this sad cruelty, For which he was arraigned, judg'd, and condemn'd to die

This Lord in this disaster, and trouble which was new, Sought one to plead his case, for his hours were but few, And like one in distraction, he search'd the country round, To gain some satisfaction, at length a friend he found.

A poor young kitchen maiden was advocate, they say, If I may be permitted, permitted soon said she, To come before the Judges, I mean to end the strife, Like any lovesick Lady, in tears I'll beg his life.

She borrow'd rich attire and garments many fold, Of one who lived nigh her a stately chain of gold; And all things being ready, she with a footman came, Like any noble Lady of honor, birth and fame.

She came before the Judges, and on her knees did fall, She cry'd aloud for mercy for pity, loudly call'd; Take pity on a Maiden, and spare my noble Lord, And the best of Heaven's blessings, shall e'er be your reward.

Wring not your hands, fair lady, the learned judge reply'd, He is condemn'd already, already he is try'd; He murder has committed, his fellow creature slain, And is not to be pitied, your sighs are all in vain.

If one of us must suffer, pray let that one be I, I'll yield myself a Marty'r rather than he should die; If vengeance must be given, pray let it fall on me, I'll give my Life a ransom, to set his honor free.

Would you then die to save him? such love I never knew, This instant, you shall have him, so bid your tears adieu, This moment we acquit him dear lady, for your sake; Then hand in hand, together, they pleasingly did take.

Said she I'm a poor Maiden, these clothes are not my own, And of my friends and neighbour's I borrowed every one; And of my Master's daughter I borrowed money too, That I might save your life, and prevent your overthrow.

He laid his hand upon her, and smilingly reply'd, I have more cause to love you, than any one beside, Five hundred pounds to-morrow, to your master's daugther I'll give, And bind myself, to love you, while I've a day to live.

The next day, he did wed her, as we have since been told, And gave her masters daughter five hundred in gold, They spend their days in pleasure which nothing can annoy And have besides great treasure, a pretty girl and boy.