BALLAD. (Why I be squire Ned of Gobble-hall)

Why I be squire Ned of Gobble-hall, I be come to London town with father, And they that little I a goose goes to call, Should call me a fox much rather.

I be silent and sly, And cunning and dry, And with a hawk's eye To watch what's said and done am ready; So they that goes to hope To hang me for a fool, Will find in the rope A knave, that he wool: So you never must To faces trust, For I be sly, And queer, and dry, And they that thinks to make a fool of I, Are all deceived in little Neddy.

When the comely captain on his knees I find, Who to mother has vowed and has kiss'd her, Why 'tis nothing more than kind after kind, For the dancing-master kisses sister:

So they thinks me to chouse, While I goes about the house, As tame as a mouse, By the nick name of simple Teddy; But 'tis all one to me If, in day time, d'ye see, They meets their spark, I kiss maids in the dark, So you never must To faces trust, &c.

If father be in love with a bouncing dame, Thinking I be a lout and no better, And spells me out good madam's name, And gives me a guinea and a letter,

What does I do d'ye think? To myself while I wink, I pockets the chink, Burns the letter and makes love to the leady: So down to the ground I tricks them all round, Pretty sister and mamma, And my reverend pappa: So you never must To faces trust, &c.