This tragical narrative seems to relate a real fact; but when it happened I have not been able to discover.
[Ritson writes as follows concerning certain improvements made by Percy in the following ballad (_Ancient Songs_, 1829, vol. ii. p. 165, note):--"Throughout this 'second part' (except in a single instance) the metre of the first line of each stanza is in the old editions lengthened by a couple of syllables, which are, occasionally at least, a manifest interpolation. The person also is for the most part changed from the first to the third, with evident impropriety. Dr. Percy has very ingeniously restored the measure by ejecting the superfluous syllables, and given consistency to the whole by the restoration of the proper person; and as it is now highly improbable that any further ancient copy will be found, and those which exist are manifestly corrupt, it seemed justifiable to adopt the judicious emendations of this ingenious editor."
Dr. Rimbault observes, "This curious tune (_The Merchant_) which has been quite overlooked by antiquaries, is found, together with the original ballad, _The Merchant and the Fiddler's Wife_, in D'Urfey's _Pills to Purge Melancholy_, vol. v. p. 77, edit. 1719."
The former great popularity of the story of the wicked young prentice is shown by James Smith's parody in the _Rejected Addresses_ and Thackeray's caricature romance--_George de Barnwell_.]
All youths of fair Englànd That dwell both far and near, Regard my story that I tell, And to my song give ear.
A London lad I was, 5 A merchant's prentice bound; My name George Barnwell; that did spend My master many a pound.
Take heed of harlots then, And their enticing trains; 10 For by that means I have been brought To hang alive in chains.
As I, upon a day, Was walking through the street About my master's business, 15 A wanton I did meet.
A gallant dainty dame, And sumptuous in attire; With smiling look she greeted me, And did my name require. 20
Which when I had declar'd, She gave me then a kiss, And said, if I would come to her, I should have more than this.
Fair mistress, then quoth I, 25 If I the place may know, This evening I will be with you, For I abroad must go
To gather monies in, That are my master's due: 30 And ere that I do home return, I'll come and visit you.