I found this while searching for DON'T TOUCH THE BUMBLE BEE (requested in another thread). There are enough similarities to make me think there might be a connection between this song and the one requested, but enough differences to deserve its own thread.

Transcribed from an image at Bodleian Library Broadside Ballads, which has several imprints that are quite consistent in wording. The number of imprints, and the existence of a parody, testify to its popularity. They are all from the early 19th century. I have modernized the spelling and punctuation.

THE BEE PROFFERS HONEY BUT BEARS A STING

A knight of a gay and a gallant mien
On a milk-white courser came.
In his hat was a lady's favour seen,
For innocence knows no shame.
And he tapped at the fair lady's bower with glee.
She heard, but impatience to mar.
When he cried, "Fair lady, come ride with me,"
She answered him with her guitar:
"Tink-a-tink, tink-a-tink, tink-a-tink, ting,
The bee proffers honey, but bears a sting."

A knight with a dark and a scowling brow
On a coal-black steed came by.
He heard the two lovers exchanging a vow,
And fury gave fire to his eye.
But he courteously said, "If you're crossed in love,
And would bear the fair lady afar,
My sword and my service are yours to prove,"
But the lady she played her guitar:
"Tink-a-tink, tink-a-tink, tink-a-tink, ting,
The bee proffers honey, but bears a sting."

The knight so gallant disappeared that day
And never was heard of more,
And the sable knight made a proud display
Of the favour that gallant knight wore.
The lady he wooed, but he gained no grace,
And joy from his bosom went far,
For the honey of hope to guilt's sting gave place,
And conscience still played the guitar:
"Tink-a-tink, tink-a-tink, tink-a-tink, ting,
The bee proffers honey, but bears a sting."