The Suffolk Miracle

The Suffolk Miracle

1 Come you people old and young
Pray don’t do as I have done
Pray let your children have their way
For fear that love breads a decay

2 When her old father came this to know
That she did love young William so
He sent her off three hundred miles or more
And swore that back home she could come no more

3 This young man wept this young man cried
In about six months for love he died
Although he had not been twelve months dead
Until he rode a milk-white steed

4 He rode up to his uncle’s home
And for his true love he did call

5 Here’s your mothers coat and your father’s steed
I’ve come for you in great speed
And her uncle as he understood
He hoped it might be for her good

6 He jumped up and her behind
And they rode faster than the wind
And when he got near her father’s gate
He did complain that his head did ache

7 A handkerchief she pulled out
And around his head she tied it about
And kissed his lips and thus did say
My dear you’re colder than the clay

8 Get down, get down, get down says he
Till I go put this steed away
While she was knocking at the door
The sight of him she saw no more

9 Get up, get up, get up says he
You’re welcome home dear child says he
You’re welcome home dear child says he
What trusty friend did come with thee

10 Dear old father do you know
The one that I once loved before
The old man knowing he had been twelve months dead
It made the hair rise on his head
11 He summoned clerks and clergies too
The grave was to open and him to view
Although he had been twelve months dead
The handkerchief was around his head

12 Come all of you both young and old
Who love your children better than gold
And always let them have their way
For fear that love might prey (?) decay