Lord Bateman

Lord Bateman was a noble youth
A noble youth of a high degree
And he had one of the finest warships
That ever sailed o'er the brine salt sea

Now he sailed east, and he sailed west
Until he came to well known Turkey
Where he was taken and put in prison
Until his life it became weary

Proud Turkey had one only daughter
One only daughter of high degree
She stole the keys to her father's prison
And vowed Lord Bateman she would set free

She went down to her father's cellar
She treated him to the best of wine
And every toast that they drank together
"I wish Lord Bateman that you was mine"

She went down to her father's harbour
She treated him to a ship of fame
"Farewell, farewell, Lord Bateman," she cried,
"I fear I never will see you again

Now seven years I will make a vow
And seven more I will keep it strong
If you don't wed with no other woman,
Then I won't wed with no other man

"And seven years I will make a vow
And seven more I will keep it strong
Sure I won't wed with no other woman
If you don't wed with no other man"

Seven years being gone and past
And fourteen days being well known to she
She packed up all of her gay clothing
And vowed Lord Bateman she would go see

So she went up to Lord Bateman's castle
And proudly she rang the bell
"O who is there cried the proud young porter
Now unto me your name pray tell"

"O who is this, Lord Bateman's castle?
And is his lordship himself within"
"O yes, o yes cried the proud young porter
He's now just taking his young bride in"

"Go bid him send me a slice of cake
And a bottle of his best of wine
Not to forget a fair young lady
Who did release him when close confined"

Away, away ran the proud young porter
Away, away, away ran he
Until he came to Lord Bateman's chamber
And he fell down upon bended knee

"What news, what news, my proud young porter
What news, what news have you brought to me?
"I just saw one of the prettiest maidens
That ever yet my two eyes did see

She had rings upon every finger
And on one finger she did have three
She had more gold around her middle
To buy Northumberland and all from thee

She bids you send her a slice of cake
And a bottle of your best of wine
Not to forget a fair young lady
Who did release you when close confined"

Lord Bateman arose all in a passion
He split the table in pieces three
"No more I'll roam in a foreign country
Since young Sophia has crossed the sea"

Then up speaks the young bride's mother
Who was never known for to speak so free
"What do you intend to do by my daughter
Since young Sophia has followed thee"

"It's true I was making a bride of your daughter
She's none the better or the worse for me
She rode to me in a horse and saddle
She may go home in her coach and three"