Two strings to a bow; or, The cunning archer being a pleasant new ditty of a souldier, that had two lasses at one time that dearly loved him, and how he requited their kindness this lusty souldier having been ten years in Scotland, and near seen a London lass, resolv'd to try, how much they priz'd virginity. He laies close siege to two, and stormes there forts, but yet to marry scorns. To an excellent Scotish tune, call'd Gilderoy.

Two strings to a Bow ; or , The cunning Archer , Being A pleasant new ditty of a Souldier , that had two Lasses at one time That dearly loved him , and how he requited their kindness This lusty Souldier having been Ten years in Scotland , and near seen A London Lass , resolv'd to try , How much they priz ▪ d Virginity . He laies close siege to two , and stormes There Forts , but yet to marry scorns . To an excellent Scotish Tune , call'd Gilderoy .

portait of a man

portrait of a woman

G 〈…〉 lads and lasses all , in what I shall report , Of Ma●d●●s twain that loved dear , ● S●ul●ier their consort . 〈…〉 La● and blith t' was he , and 〈…〉 to love them both . B 〈…〉 e the knot , 〈…〉 he was loth . 〈…〉 y●e●●s this Souldier brave 〈…〉 , b●●e ●is Arms. V 〈…〉 ur Noble Generall , 〈…〉 Cupids Charms . Bu● London L●sses , thought to win , and temp● him ●ith their smiles . Which sub●ly be a while receives . at last them both beguiles . The first was Mal . a bouncing Lass , to whom he courteous was . And lovingly did kiss and Court , our mark what came to pass . W●en ●e 〈◇〉 gain'd her tender heart , And Cupid ●●● had shot , He scorn●ully disdains her thoughts , and swears he loves her not . Then she her service leaves in hast , a private life to live . Because that to her Master she , was loth offence to give , And that be might with fréedome come , to visit this his dear , On whom she spent her money frée , in Ale , and in good Chéet . Thus she continued a while , and he came oft unto her . whose fight did please her wondrous well the Souldier sure did do her . But when her stock grew low and poor his love it waxed cold . There was no chain could hold him fast , but onely that of Gold . When thus she s●w she sl●ghted was , and could not ●ated the Game . With heavy moan she did repine and her hard fort●ne blame . Whilst ●e with iovial●ists did sing , and did contrive it so . That he had got another Lass , and two strings to his Bow .

The second Part , to the same Tune

portrait of a man

portrait of a woman

HAving thus put his first lasse off , the second comes in play . The which was pretty Dorothy : who was both fine and gay . To whom he doth express his love , with amorous , Glances many : And swears that she shall be his wife if ever he have any . This did so pierce her tender heart with joy and great delight . That she her service proffer'd him , by day and the● by night : Which he most kindly doth accept , and void of dread or fear . He gets her in his Chamber close , one night , as you shall hear . In sober guise the Souldier goes : one night unto his bed . Where she must come in all the hast , to lose her Maiden-head . The people being all at rest , and every one asléep . The lasse goes to his Chamber straight , and to his bed does créep . He that in bloody Battels fought , and lay in Frost and cold , Enduring hardships plentifull , against his foes so bold . Can now on 's bed surprize a Fort , which no man ere did enter The Lady and the Owner gives , it him for his adventure . Her Master and her Mistrisie both , about the break of day . Awaking , called for their Maid , but she no word did say , She was in bed with her delight , and sporting with her dear . Nor thinking that her Master call'd ; love would not let her hear . Then up her Master gets in hast , to fi●d the poor lost shéep . And folded in the Souldiers Armes , he finde his Maid asleep . Then with one blow , upon her chéek he wakes her from ●er dear , And kicks the lassee out of doors . No Whores ( quoth he ) live here . When this black chance was once found out , the lasse she fain would marry . The Souldier be refuses quit , tells her he must be wary ; But she perplext , doth urge him still , and begs the same with Tears . Qu●th he , I am not in your debt , I paid you your arrears . Take heed you loving lasses . be warn'd by my report . Trust not a lusty Souldier , for hée'l soon take your Fort , And then you must turn chamber maids alas my chance is so . The Souldier he will shoot no more , h' as broke two strings to 's bow Finis ,