Before a Court of Justice

Before a Court of Justice

THE father’s name ye ne’er shall be told

Of my darling unborn life;

“Shame,shame,”ye cry,“on the strumpet bold!”

Yet I’m an honest wife.

To whom I’m wedded,ye ne’er shall be told,

Yet he’s both loving and fair;

He wears on his neck a chain of gold,

And a hat of straw doth he wear.

If scorn’tis vain to seek to repel,

On me let the scorn be thrown.

I know him well,and he knows me well,

And to God,too,all is known.

Sir Parson and Sir Bailiff[36]，again，

I pray you,leave me in peace!

My child it is,my child’twill remain,

So let your questionings cease!

1815.*