Lyrics

There was a blind beggar a long time ago
He had but one daughter her cheeks were aglow
She was neat and well featured in every degree
And the neighbours all called her their bonnie Betty

As Betty was walking along the highway
She met with a fairy who to her did say
‘Tis in the king’s parlour your living shall be
And happy’s the man that gets bonnie Betty

‘Twas early next morning as Betty arose
Said she to her father I must get some clothes
And go seek my fortune wherever it be
And the favour was granted to bonnie Betty

The first came to court her was a merchant so bright
He courted bold Betty by day and by night
He called her his jewel his joy his machree
Will you name me your father bonnie Betty

The next came to court her was a captain so slight
And he courted fair Betty by day and by night
My ships that I sail in I’ll swop them for thee
If you name me your father my bonnie Betty

The next came to court her a squire by full right
He came to court Betty by day and by night
He called her his jewel his joy his machree
Will you name me your father my bonnie Betty

His marks and his tokens I’ll tell them to thee
My father is kind every day unto me
But he’s led by a dog with a chain and a bell
And he’s called the blind beggar from St. Columb’s Well

Hold hold said the merchant her I will not take
Hold hold said the captain her I will forsake
Hold hold said the squire let the beggar lass be
She’s a thousand times welcome my bonnie Betty

When the squire counted down the best of his store
The blind beggar left down a thousand pounds more
Now the couple got married and live at their ease
And the bonnie brave girl can do as she’ll please

Oh such a gay gatherin’ never was seen
As came to Bett’s wedding on St. Columb’s Green