As our limits will not allow us to quote the whole of the ballad,[1]
we must content ourselves with giving the song of the beggar, which,
as well as being the most interesting, contains the whole of the
legend concerning de Montfort:--

A poore beggar's daughter did dwell on a greene,
Who for her fairnesse might well be a queene:
A blithe bonny lasse, and a daintye was shee,
And many one called her pretty Bessee.

Her father hee had noe goods nor noe land,
But begg'd for a penny all day with his hand;
And yett to her marriage he gave thousands three,
And still he hath somewhat for pretty Bessee.

And if any one here her birth doe disdaine,
Her father is ready, with might and with maine,
To prove shee is come of noble degree--
Therefore, ever flout att prettye Bessee.

* * * * *

Then give me leave, nobles and gentles, each one,
One song more to sing, and then I have done;
And if that itt may not winn good report,
Then doe not give me a GROAT for my sport.

Sir Simon de Montfort my subject shall bee.
Once chiefe of all the great barons was hee--
Yet fortune so cruelle this lorde did abase,