Fair Cathy and Randle

“Good, day, Father” - “Many thanks, Randle.” - “May I be allowed to have your daughter?” - “Oh, yes, if Mother is willing, you can have her.”

“Where is Mother, then?” - “She is in the house.”

“Good day, Mother.” - “Many thanks, Randle” - “May I be allowed to have your daughter?” - “Oh, yes, if Brother Blunt is willing, you can have her.” - “Where is Brother Blunt?” - “He is chopping wood.” - “Good day, Brother Blunt.” - Many Thanks, Randle.” - “May I be allowed to have your sister?” - “Oh, yes, if Sister Kisset is willing you can have her.” - “Where is Sister Kisset, then?” - “She is in the garden.” - “Good day, sister Kisset.” - “Many thanks, Randle.” - “May I be allowed to have your sister?” - “Oh, yes, if fair Cathy is willing, you may have her.” - “Where is fair Cathy, then” - “She is the room counter her farthings.” - “Good day, fair Cathy.” - “Many thanks, Randle.” - “Wilt thou be my bride?” - “Oh, yes, if Mother, Father, Brother and Sister are willing, I am ready.”

“Fair Cathy, how much dowry do hast thou?” - “Fourteen farthings in ready money, and three and a half groschen owing to me.”

And Many other things are mine.

Have I not a dowry fine?

Father is a tailor

Mother is a tiller

Brother Blunt is a husbandman

Sister Kisset is a joiner

and I am something better.

• “Perhaps a broom-maker?” - “Yes, that’s what I am, is it not a fine trade?”