The Country Cousin, Or: The Crafty City Dame.  
Who invited a Gentleman to her House in Woman's apparel, whereby her Husband was deceived, he taking him for a she country cozen, and how he found out, and punished the Deceit.  
Tune of, Good Morrow Valentine.  
 
 

THere dwells a brave young wife in London City,  
She is both eloquent, pregnant, and witty,  
She hath a curious hand to write a Letter,  
She loves her husband well, but others better.  

and though she be ensnared with at least a dozen,  
the man whom she loves best she calls her cozen.    

The good man had a trick which his wife hated,  
For often times he would be jealous pated,  
For which the good wife vowed to be revenged,  
Though out of her own house she never ranged:  

but mark what happened 'twixt her and her cousin,  
I think 'twas the pretiest trick done of a dozen.    

A secret Letter by wit she invented,  
And by a trusty messenger sent it,  
To be delivered unto her husband Sir,  
Who in the country lived, pray mark the end Sir,  

This Letter it was sent unto her cousin,  
who was the man she loved best of a dozen.    

Kind cousin then, quoth she, I am grown sickly,  
I pray make haste to me, come ease me quickly:  
You are the man I know must give me Physic,  
To rid me of my cold and cure my Ptisick.  

But I would have you to consider sweet cousin,  
That my husband jealous is most of a dozen.    

But for to blind his eyes, I do desire,  
That you would lay aside your man's attire;  
And quickly-dress yourself like a young woman,  
But of your coming let it be known to no man:  

Then welcome to me you're most of a dozen,  
Thus ends my Letter, think on it sweet cousin.    

When he this Letter had seen and perused,  
Her courteous proffer he never refused,  
To act a woman's part he did his endeavour,  
And bought a brave new Gown, and a rich Beaver,  

New Apron, Hose, and Shoes he soon had chosen,  
Which was the counsel he had from his cousin.    

When as the Barber had trimmed him completely,  
He showed himself like a woman dressed neatly,  
And towards London went as fast as may be,  
Where many took him for some country Lady,  

And coming to the house of his sweet cousin,  
She gave him kisses thirteen to the dozen.    

The good wife being most skilful and cunning,  
Unto her husband with speed she was running,  
And having plotted against him all treason,  
She told him a lie sir, and showed him a reason:  

Husband quoth she this is my country cozen,  
I pray make much of her, she's best of a dozen.    

Then the good man began with words very finely,  
You're welcome to my house quoth he very kindly,  
And after compliments he courteously kissed her,  
More welcome to my house than my own Sister:  

You are the welcomest guest of a whole dozen,  
an't please you stay all night welcome sweet cousin.    

Then good cheer was sent for and supper provided,  
But mark how after this matter was guided,  
They having feasted, their chaps very merry,  
The one to the other said, now I am weary;  

I have come miles this day at least a dozen,  
Then let me go to bed my loving cousin.    

Then said the good wife I will not deny you,  
The Bed is ready, and I will lie by you,  
Pray husband give us leave to lie together,  
Only to talk a while one with another.  

Then quoth the good man for 2 nights in a dozen,  
I will allow you to lie with your cousin.    

When as this horned man had thus consented,  
These lovers went to bed safely contented,  
but judge what sport they had to hinder mourning,  
They lay in bed till Sun rising next morning,  

And a Sack posset against they were risen,  
The good man ready had for's wife and cozen.    

This Posset being eaten, and breakfast ended,  
These Lovers for delight further intended,  
And to the tavern went with good discretion,  
And drank seven quarts of wine for recreation.  

And coming home again in the night season,  
The good wife lay again with her sweet cousin.    

But then the good man thought there was some treason,  
Plotted against his head in two night's season,  
He dreamed like Actaeon he was transformed,  
And like unto a Buck his pate was horned,  

With a great noise of Hounds after him running,  
So that to hide his head he wanted cunning.    

When out of this drowsy dream he was awaken,  
He vowed he would be no further mistaken,  
But quickly out of bed without much dodging,  
And coming to the bed in his wife's lodging,  

He took her napping inth' arms of her cousin,  
Which was the prettiest trick done of a dozen.    

When he had searched him & found him a man sir,  
Having in one hand a good holly wand sir,  
He sound beswinged him back, side, and bone sir,  
And threatened the next time he'd cut off his stones sir,  

Then naked out of doors he turned his cousin,  
This was the prettiest trick done of a dozen.     

Printed for P. Brooksby, at the golden ball in West-smithfield, near the Hospital-gate.