"But first you shall promise, and have it well knowne,
The gold that you drop shall all be your owne."
With that they replyed, "Contented bee wee."
"Then here's," quoth the beggar, "for pretty Bessee."
With that an angell he cast on the ground,
And dropped in angels full three thousand pound;
And oftentimes itt was proved most plaine,
For the gentlemens one the beggar droppt twayne:
Soe that the place, wherin they did sift,
With gold it was covered every whitt.
The gentlemen then having dropt all their store,
Sayd, "Now, beggar, hold, for wee have noe more.
"Thou hast fulfilled thy promise arright."
"Then marry," quoth he, "my girle to this knight;
And heere," added hee, "I will now throwe you downe
A hundred pounds more to buy her a gowne."
The gentlemen all, that this treasure had seene,
Admired the beggar of Bednall-greene:
And all those, that were her suitors before,
Their fleshe for very anger they tore.
Thus was faire Besse matched to the knight,
And then made a ladye in others despite:
A fairer ladye there never was seene,
Than the blind beggars daughter of Bednall greene.
But of their sumptuous marriage and feast,
What brave lords and knights thither were prest,
The SECOND FITT[1] shall set forth to your sight
With marveilous pleasure, and wished delight.
PART THE SECONDOFF a blind beggars daughter most bright,
That late was betrothed unto a younge knight;
All the discourse therof you did see;
But now comes the wedding of pretty Bessee.
Within a gorgeous palace most brave,
Adorned with all the cost they cold have,
This wedding was kept most sumptuouslie,
And all for the creditt of pretty Bessee.
All kind of dainties, and delicates sweete
Were bought for the banquet, as it was most meete;
Partridge, and plover, and venison most free,
Against the brave wedding of pretty Bessee.
This marriage through England was spread by report,
Soe that a great number therto did resort
Of nobles and gentles in every degree;
And all for the fame of prettye Bessee.