The ballad concerns a young squire's son who falls in love with a bailiff's daughter from Islington, to the north of London. This is considered to be an unsuitable pairing, so his family dispatches him to the City. There a seven-year apprenticeship affords him worldly success, although servitude sharpens his ardour for the maiden he once knew.
The bailiff's family falls on hard times. The daughter survives, but is alone, and one day on a roadside encounters the well-beloved youth.
She begs a penny. In reply, he asks: "I prithee, sweetheart, canst thou tell me / Where that thou wast born?"; and does she know of the bailiff's daughter of Islington?
"She's dead, sir, long ago", the girl asserts sorrowfully. The youth is heartbroken and offhandedly pledges the girl his horse and tack, for he feels like nothing but departing into exile. She cries: "O stay, O stay, thou goodly youth! / She's alive, she is not dead; / Here she standeth by thy side, And is ready to be thy bride."
First editions
The earliest known text was published (as a broadside) by Phillip Brooksby between 1683 and 1696. The tune dates from 1731 (ballad opera, The Jovial Crew).[1]
Recordings
The song was recorded by such performers as Albert Beale, Tony Wales.[1]
There was a youth, and a well beloved youth,
For he was the squire’s son
He loved the bailiff's daughter dear
Who lived in Islington.
But she was coy and would not let
on him her heart bestow
And he went away to London Town
Because he loved her so.
