John Clare: The Midsummer Cushion :: :: University of Virginia Library

Mary now let us love employ
Among the happy smiles of may
& let us bind the wings of joy
& keep him captive for a day
Nature in love doth now disclose
Her flowers in full ripe smiles to thee
Twill be too late to seek the rose
When autumn leaves have left the tree
So let us wreath joys brows to day
To morrow he may speed away

While on this meadow bank we sit
Mark thou the sights that might thee move
How that the winds in amorous fit
Woo things inanimate to love
The bulrush bows in graceful art
To kiss the rivers lesser weeds
& flags in many a merry start
Rustling whisper to the reeds
Shall things inanimate agree
To love unmoving thee & me

See yonder skylark from the corn
Rises to sing his wedding lay
For he was wed at early morn
& twilight gave the bride away
The church above the trees doth climb
Love promise & we'll soon be there
Tis best to borrow haste from time
If time has present joys to spare
Nor leave loves lot unto the morrow
Who oft pays backward debts in sorrow

298

THE MOTHERS ADVICE

Come come my boy Robin be wise lad & value
An old womans counsil that wishes ye well
Neer play with your watch chain nor stand ‘shill I shall I’
Make your mind up at once boy & win Kitty Fell
Neer let the abscence of beauty prevent ye
That birdlime that catches at charm-smitten men
Shes horses & cows boy & money in plenty
To make a face tempting at three score & ten

Aye cows on the pasture & sheep at the fold
& horses to yoke at the waggon or plough
& land that would even grow guineas of gold
& better the crow never flies over now
Her yards never empty of poultry & swine
Of the flitch & the ham boy her walls never bare
—When the grist bag is torn—theres the bottom of twine
& the best of all beauty is much & to spare

What pucker your brow boy & will ye be scorning
A mothers good counscil—well take ye a wife
As fine as ye please but hear this as a warning
That love without money brings winter for life
Fine wenches I know in the springs sunny weathers
Look sweet as the glad singing linnets in spring
But birds are not valued for fine painted feathers
The sweet singing larks wears a plain russet wing

What still are ye silent O fie on ye Robin
To scoff at a mother that wishes ye well
Where I in your place I would saddle old dobbin
& not loose a moment to win Kitty Fell
But thourt won by show & its no use advising
Yet Robin beware how things glitter & shine
An old fashioned guinea is more worth the prizing
Than a new minted penny though ever so fine

Those fine dressy dames though so gay & bewitching
That show their fine hues as a peacock his tail
Are just as much use in a cottagers kitchen
As plumbs in a piecrust & sugar in ale
So take your own trundle—I'll sit & content me
To think that Ive told ye the best in my power

299

& do as ye please since theres nought to prevent ye
But mind that ye dont pluck a weed for a flower

Theres many a fop taen by dazzel & dressing
That turns up his nose at a girl getting old
Still the proverb is true that might learn ye a lesson
Always creep neath an old hedge to get from the cold
The pie trusts her dwelling on trees high & airy
Just as week chances & storms may agree
But larks Robin heark ye right cautious & wary
Ensure a snug home at the root of the tree

300

WOMAN

They may boast as they will over pleasures repast
Tracing bliss to false sources in idle employ
Yet still they acknowledge that woman at last
Is the fount from whence flows the worlds essence of joy
They may boast about flowers of the summers perfume
But when alls said & done can a blossom compare
To the cheeks of a lovely young maiden in bloom
O where is the rose found so luscious as there

They may talk about pleasure in lifes solitude
But when alls said & done & its silence is tried
They will soon wish again in the world to intrude
Where the heart aching charms of a woman abide
They may sing about wine & applaud in their glee
The glass that a moment of trouble beguiles
But folly reflecting soon wishes to be
In the sunlight of joy where a sweet woman smiles

Every pleasure on earth let them laud to the skies
While under gay bacchus's idle controul
They shall all find in reason that woman supplies
The relish & savour that sweeten the whole
Beauty dwells in the fragrance & colour of flowers
Beauty sparkles in wine & the pomp of the hall
But love in a desert will challange his powers
—There the beauty of woman surpasses them all

301

SONG

[O the voice of womans love]

O the voice of womans love
What a bosom stirring word
Was a sweeter ever uttered
Was a dearer ever heard
Than womans love

How it melts upon the ear
How it nourishes the heart
Cold ah cold must his appear
Who hath never shared a part
Of womans love

Tis pleasure to the mourner
Tis freedom to the thrall
The pilgrimage of many
& the resting place of all
Is womans love

Tis the gem of beautys birth
It competes with joys above
What were angels upon earth
If without a womans love
A womans love

302

FIRST LOVES RECOLLECTIONS

First love will with the heart remain
When all its hopes are bye
As frail rose blossoms still retain
Their fragrance till they die
& joys first dreams will haunt the mind
With shades from whence they sprung
As summer leaves the stems behind
On which springs blossoms hung

Mary I dare not call thee dear
Ive lost that right so long
Yet once again I vex thine ear
With memorys idle song
Had time & change not blotted out
The love of former days
Thou wert the last that I should doubt
Of pleasing with my praise

When honied tokens from each tongue
Told with what truth we loved
How rapturous to thy lips I clung
Whilst nought but smiles reproved
But now methinks if one kind word
Were whispered in thine ear
Thoudst startle like an untamed bird
& blush with wilder fear

How loath to part how fond to meet
Had we too used to be
At sunset with what eager feet
I hastened on to thee
Scarce nine days passed ere we met
In spring nay wintry weather
Now nine years suns have risen & set
Nor found us once together

Thy face was so familiar grown
Thyself so often bye
A moments memory when alone
Would bring thee to mine eye
But now my very dreams forget
That witching look to trace

303

Though there thy beauty lingers yet
It wears a stranger face

I felt a pride to name thy name
But now that pride hath flown
My words een seem to blush for shame
That own I love thee on
I felt I then thy heart did share
Nor urged a binding vow
But much I doubt if thou couldst spare
One word of kindness now

& what is now my name to thee
Though once nought seemed so dear
Perhaps a jest in hours of glee
To please some idle ear
& yet like counterfeits with me
Impressions linger on
Though all the gilded finery
That passed for truth is gone

Ere the world smiled upon my lays
A sweeter meed was mine
Thy blushing look of ready praise
Was raised at every line
But now methinks thy fervent love
Is changed to scorn severe
& songs that other hearts approve
Seem discord to thine ear

When last thy gentle cheek I prest
& heard thee feign adieu
I little thought that seeming jest
Would prove a word so true
A fate like this hath oft befell
Een loftier hopes than ours
Spring bids full many buds to swell
That neer can grow to flowers

304

BALLAD

[There is a tender flower]

There is a tender flower
Yet found in every clime
That decks the rudest bower
Nor stays for place or time
In caves or desert sands
Unblest with sun or shower
Wherever life expands
Is found this tender flower

Where storms with keenest breath
Bid stronger flowers decay—
Where suns een shun its birth
It is content to stay
In sunshine & in gloom
As if 'twere sorrows dower
In griefs lap it will bloom
Or die a lovely flower

Within lifes wilderness
This fond & tender flower
Doth every bosom bless
& garlands sorrows bower
Rude falsehood may despise
Its bloom when in its power
& idle themes devise
To mock this injured flower

Yet truth hath long agreed
To call it first of flowers
Though treated like a weed
Too oft in follys bowers
On earth it loves to dwell
Though blest with heavenly power
& sure I need not tell
That loves the lauded flower

305

THE MAID OF THE HALL

Of all the fine lasses Ive led down the dance
Ive neer seen her equal at all
If ye search all the towns between London & France
Theres none like the maid of the Hall

Deckd out like a lady above all the rest
She looked like the queen of the ball
& all the young ploughmen that saw her confest
Twas a beauty that came from the Hall

Her feet stept so graceful so airy & gay
& so true to the fiddle did fall
To see but her dancing twould win ye to say
Theres none like the maid of the Hall

Her speech is so proper so fine & polite
Not a word in her talk she'll miscall
The clowns all concieted who saw her that night
Twas the Lady herself from the Hall

I feign would have begged her my sweetheart to be
But I feared that my chance would be small
So many agreed in opinion with me
That the finest lass came from the Hall

She shewed such good humour & prattled so free
We fancied she loved but us all
We knew not behaviour from courtship not we
Which distinguished the maid of the Hall

I once thought on paper my suit to appeal
& to send her a letter withall
But ignorance then would my meaness reveal
& disgrace the fair maid of the Hall

I once thought of telling my passion outright
But then if a word I'd let fall
So vulgar it would have been sport for the night
& ashamed the fair maid of the Hall

& as I do love her & win her I can t
I'll entice her with nothing at all

306

As to come at her love all beside it I want
Heres adieu to the maid of the Hall

307

BALLAD

[I dreamt not what it was to woo]

I dreamt not what it was to woo
& felt my heart secure
Till Robin dropt a word or two
Last evening on the moor
Though with no flattering words the while
His suit he urged to move
Fond ways informed me with a smile
How sweet it was to love

He left the path to let me pass
The dropping dews to shun
& walked himself among the grass
I deemed it kindly done
& when his hand was held to me
As oer each stile we went
I deemed it rude to say him nay
& manners to consent

He saw me to the town & then
He sighed but kissed me not
& whispered ‘we shall meet agen’
But did'n't say for what
Yet on my breast his cheek had lain
& though it gently press'd
It bruised my heart & left a pain
That robs it of its rest

308

BALLAD

[Where is the heart thou once hast won]

Where is the heart thou once hast won
Can cease to care about thee
Where is the eye thou'st smiled upon
Can look for joy without thee
Lorn is the lot one heart hath met
Thats lost to thy caressing
Cold is the hope that loves thee yet
Now thou art past possessing
Fare thee well

We met we loved weve met the last
The farewell word is spoken
O Mary canst thou feel the past
& keep thy heart unbroken
To think how warm we loved & how
Those hopes should blossom never
To think how we are parted now
& parted oh for ever
Fare thee well

Thou wert the first my heart to win
Thou art the last to wear it
& though another claims akin
Thou must be one to share it
Oh had we known when hopes were sweet
That hopes would once be thwarted
That we should part no more to meet
How sadly we had parted
Fare thee well

309

THE MILKMAID

Three seasons have gone—sin' my shepherd did leave me
To go for a soldier in wars far away
His red coat became him—he'll never decieve me
Yet I grieved & this puts me in mind of the day
The cow pasture buttercups paved it with gold
The hedges about it were smothered in may
& the sheep by a stranger let out of the fold
Seemed to sorrow like me for his going away

Beside this old thorn I remember't as well
As though it was milking time but yesterday
His old dog that with a new master did dwell
Saw his red coat & feather & hurried away
He called him by name & he came at his call
For he knew his voice well but in terror & fear
He stared at his red coat & feather & all
& dropt on his haunches & wouldnt come near

Though the sound of his voice made him prick up his ear
He could not believe him in such a disguise
My old dogs forgot me he said—& the tear
Of regret though a soldier I saw in his eyes
I took it for granted & why disbelieve him
Twas me that occasioned a moment of pain
Though he doubted my soldier I'll never decieve him
If they keep him for life I shall know him again

& three years have gone sin' this thorn was in blossom
I never pass bye but I think on the day
By the side of a hill stood a cowslap in blossom
I cropt it—& he got a branch of the may
& when we had talked the last moment to parting
My heart while I think ont half doubtfully burns
He held it to me & he said just a starting
Jane take this & keep it till Jemmy returns

I sighed—but he laughed & said dont be fainthearted
Twas only to hide deeper trouble from me
For he lingered I thought that we couldnt have parted
& turned to look back far as eer we could see
A keepsake so odd could he mean to abuse me
& give me the thorn that his slight I might see

310

Tis foolish to think ont—he'll never ill use me
For he rubbed off the pricks ere he gave it to me

311

THE MILKING HOUR

The sun had grown on lessening day
A table large & round
& in the distant vapours grey
Seemed leaning on the ground
When Mary like a lingering flower
Did tenderly agree
To stay beyond her milking hour
& talk awhile with me

We wandered till the distant town
Had silenced nearly dumb
& lessened on the quiet ear
Small as a beetles hum
She turned her buckets upside & down
& made us each a seat
& there we talked the evening brown
Beneath the rustling wheat

& while she milked her breathing cows
I sat beside the streams
In musing oer our evening joys
Like one in pleasant dreams
The bats & owls to meet the night
From hollow trees had gone
& een the flowers had shut for sleep
& still she lingered on

We mused in rapture side by side
Our wishes seemed as one
We talked of times retreating tide
& sighed to find it gone
& we had sighed more deeply still
Oer all our pleasures past
If we had known what now we know
That we had met the last

312

SONG

[Come give us the health to the dearest on earth]

Come give us the health to the dearest on earth
To the fairest the first & the best
The comfort of joy & the sunlight of mirth
From the south & the east to the west
Then heres to the suns that illumine the earth
To the flowers that in winter are blooming
To the gems that are found above purchase & worth
The love & the beauty of woman

Then give us the health to the dearest on earth
To the gem of all climates & soils
To the heart stirring pulse that enlivens our mirth
& the comfort that sweetens our toils
Then heres to the flowers in the desert of care
That in calms & in tempests are blooming
& heres to the angels of earth—so they are
The love & the beauty of woman

The charm that gives sweetness to wine & to mirth
& the balm of our anguish & thrall
The welcome & wealth of the cottagers hearth
& the gem of both palace & hall
What ist but our health to the dearest on earth
To the flowers that in winter are blooming
The eden where joy is indebted for birth
The love & the beauty of woman

Then heres to the health of the dearest on earth
& the treasures of cottage & hall
Then heres to our very existance & birth
Life without them were nothing at all
Theyre the joy of our sorrow the rest of our pain
Theyre the flowers that in deserts are blooming
Then fill up the glass & we'll give it again
To the love & the beauty of woman

313

LOVE

Love though it is not chill & cold
But burning like eternal fire
It is not of approaches bold
Which gay dramatic tastes admire
O timid love more fond then free
In dareing song is ill pourtrayed
Where as in war the devotee
By valour wins each captive maid

Where hearts are prest to hearts in glee
As they could tell each others minds
Where ruby lips are kissed as free
As flowers are by the summer winds
—No gentle love that timid dream
Whose hopes & fears at foil & play
Work like a skiff against the stream
Where it loves most finds least to say

It lives in blushes & in sighs
In hopes for which no words are found
Thoughts dare not look but in the eyes
The tongue is left without a sound
The pert & forward things that dare
Their whispers in each others ear
Feel no more then their shadows there
Mere things of form with nought of fear

True passion that so burns within
Is timid as the doves disguise
Tis for the murder aiming hawk
To dart at every bird that flies
True love it is no daring bird
But like the little timid wren
That in the new leaved thorns of spring
Shrinks further from the sight of men

The idol of its musing mind
The worship of its lonely hour
Love wooes her in the summer wind
It tells her name to every flower
But in her sight no open word
Escapes Loves passion to declare

314

The sighs by beautys majic stirred
Are all that speak its passion there

315

BALLAD

[The spring returns the pewet screams]

The spring returns the pewet screams
Loud welcomes to the dawning
Though harsh & ill as now it seems
Twas music last may morning
The grass so green—the daisy gay
Wakes no joy in my bosom
Although the garland last mayday
Wore not a finer blossom

For by this bridge my Mary sat
& praised the screaming plover
As first to hail the day—when I
Confessed myself her lover
& at that moment stooping down
I pluckt a daisy blossom
Which smilingly she called her own
May garland for her bosom

& in her breast she hid it there
As true loves happy omen
Gold had not claimed a safer care
I thought loves name was woman
I claimed a kiss she laughed away
I sweetly sold the blossom
I thought myself a king that day
My throne was beautys bosom

& little thought an evil hour
Was bringing clouds around me
& least of all that little flower
Would turn a thorn to wound me—
She showed me after many days
Though withered—how she prized it
& then she leaned to wealthy praise
& my poor love despised it

Aloud the whirring pewet screams
The daisy blooms as gaily
But where is Mary—absence seems
To ask that question daily
No where on earth where joy can be
To glad me with her pleasure

316

Another name she owns—to me
She is as stolen treasure

When lovers part—the longest mile
Leaves hope of some returning
Though mines close bye—no hope the while
Within my heart is burning
One hour would bring me to her door
Yet sad & lonely hearted
If seas between us both should roar
We were not further parted

Though I could reach her with my hand
Ere suns the earth goes under
Her heart from mine—the sea & land
Are not more far asunder
The wind & clouds now here now there
Hold not such strange dominion
As womans cold perverted will
& soon estranged opinion

317

THE OLD MANS SONG

Youth has no fear of ill by no cloudy days anoyed
But the old mans all hath fled & his hopes have met their doom
The bud hath burst to bloom & the flower been long destroyed
The root too is withered & no more can look for bloom
So I have said my say & I have had my day
& sorrow like a young storm creeps dark upon my brow
Hopes like to summer winds they have all blown away
& the worlds sunny side is turned over with me now
& left me like a lame bird upon a withered bough

I look upon the past tis as black as winter days
But the worst it is not over there is blacker days to come
O would I had but know[n] of the wide worlds many ways
But futurity is blind so I een must share my doom
Joy once reflected brightly of prospects overcast
But now like a looking glass thats turned to the wall
Life is nothing but a blank & the sunny shining past
Is overspread with glooms that doth every hope enthrall
While troubles daily thicken in the wind ere they fall

Life smiled upon me once as the sun upon the rose
My heart so free & open guessed every face a friend
Though the sweetest flower must fade & the sweetest season close
Yet I never gave it thought that my happiness would end
Till the warmest seeming friends grew the coldest at the close
As the sun from lonely night hides its haughty shining face
Yet I could not think them gone for they turned not open foes
While memory fondly mused former favours to retrace
& I turned but only found that my shadow kept its place

& this is nought but common life what every body finds
As well as I or mores the luck of those that better speed
I'll mete my lot to bear with the lot of kindred minds
& grudge not those who say they for sorrow have no need
Why should I when I know that it will not aid a nay
For summer is the season even then the little flye
Finds friends enew indeed both for leisure & for play
But on the winter window why they crawl alone to die
Such is life & such am I a wounded & a winter stricken flie

318

SALLY GREEN

I cannot bethink me the matter
Of the anguish thats got in my breast
Where my heart like a bird pitter patter
Will not let me get any rest
Ive neer drank no ale to be teazing
My head—yet right sick have I been
& my ills have been daily increasing
Ever since I first saw Sally Green

Folks talk about one little cupid
As how a heart robber is he
But to think he stole mine why its stupid
When he can t reach so high as my knee
No no Im aware of whose got it
Yet the robber no robber has been
We cannot steal gifts—so odd rot it
How can I go blame Sally Green

& to call her a thief would be loathing
For beauty like hers cannot steal
'Sides she might have a score hearts for nothing
Their praises folks cannot consceal
They stare in her face for her beauty
But she neer looks to know what they mean
If they think to have that as their booty
They already mistake Sally Green

She smiled at me over her shoulder
Though I'd never danced with her before
—Had the king ha' been there to behold her
He'd never forgot her no more
She looked so delightful & blooming
No pack of cards own such a queen
Good dear if the king had been coming
He'd ha' thought her his own Sally Green

The parson in last sundays sermon
Often turned a hard look in my face
Though Im sure I did nought there was harm in
Nor slept een a wink in my place
—I know that while prayers are a reading
No other guess things should be seen

319

& though he my thoughts was a heeding
Pray who could forget Sally Green

I reached her a rose yester morning
The best I could find on the tree
& to hurt her Im sure I'd be scorning
Who neer thought a thing to hurt me
So I rubbed off the thorns from the blossom
& I sighed though it could not be seen
When I offered the gift for her bosom
As the best I could give Sally Green

I set up the dance at the shearing
& I quaked like a bird in the snow
Though the people all said in my hearing
They were melting like ice in a thaw
But just like a blossom at mayday
There sat betwixt me & the screen
—Good dear need I tell ye the lady
Did ye know how I love Sally Green

Ive been six years in service come may day
& but six weeks in love overseen
For in truth though I thought her a lady
Folks call her a child of sixteen
But let them be laughing & humming
Folks often say more then they mean
For believe me I neer saw a woman
So charming as young Sally Green

I loved her too dearly to linger
Though they talked of such out o way things
& ashamed to examine her finger
I made a guess start for the ring
Says the Goldsmith says he Mr Ploughman
Now seek out the size that ye mean
Gosh—I sighd I could hardly tell how mun
But the smallest will fit Sally Green

The man laughing loud when I said so
Bore me down that I pickt it too small
But if dame Tibbs had been at my elbow
She'd have seen he knew nothing at all
—Aye—she'd one Mr Goldsmith to pleaze ye

320

The big finger size that ye mean
But she saw one get two in it easy
& that was my sweet Sally Green

So I brought her the ring at a venture
& I shall go see bye & bye
But I dont wish that fools should torment her
& I know she is timid & shy
Like a rosebud that blushes in may so
& seems half afraid to be seen
I know who she loves—& wont say so
So why need I plague Sally Green

When I meet her at milking o mornings
& offer her help over stiles
I never meet none of her scornings
For she pays me in blushes & smiles
Though she seems always willing to linger
She colours wheneer we are seen
Yet when the ring graces her finger
She'll soon forget shoy Sally Green

But I know when the parson comes near her
She'll wish his big book on the shelf
& be ready to faint—but I'll cheer her
& speak both for her & myself
For I know that she'll stick to her duty
Though a bible vow never had been
& if truth as folks tell ye be beauty
Ive no cause to doubt Sally Green

321

BALLAD—THE BACKWARD SPRING

The day waxes warmer
The winters far gone
Then come out my charmer
& bring summer on
Thy beauty is gleaming
So sweet where ye be
Tis summer & sunshine
To be only with thee

Tardy spring came so loathing
I thought that the spring
Had took winters cloathing
But no such a thing
For the snow neath the hedges
Hath packt up & gone
& mays little pledges
For summer comes on

The flowers on the awthorn
—Oak balls on the tree
& the blackbird is building
Loves pallace in glee
Then come out my charmer
& lead summer on
Where e'er thou art smiling
Care & winter are gone

—Even snows neath thy feet
I could fancy to be
A carpet of daiseys
—The rime on the tree
Would bloom in thy smiling
& quickly appear
Like blossoms beguiling
The prime of the year

The ice on the water
O I could agree
That winter had changed to
A pallace for thee
Turning pools into mirrors
& silence to glee

322

Reflecting the image
Of rapture in thee

Then come forth my charmer
Thy presence can charm
Into summer the winter
To sunshine the storm
I can think how delightful
The prospect would be
In summer or winter
That blest me with thee

But the place of thy absence
All language is lost
I cannot imagine
What pain it would cost
Though without thee I feel
Where a desert would be
& all in thy presence
Grows eden with me

323

NUTTING

Right rosey gleamed the autumn morn
Right golden shone the autumn sun
The mowers swept the bleached corn
While long their early shades did run
The leaves were burnt to many hues
The hazel nuts were ripe & brown
My Marys kindness could but chuse
To pluck them when I bore them down

The shells her auburn hair did show
A zemblance faint yet beautiful
She smiled to hear me tell her so
Till I forgot the nuts to pull
I looked up on ash & thorn
For nuts—my wits was all astray
She laughed so rich that autumn morn
All all but love was wide away

& soon the day was on its wane
Ere joy had thought one hour away
Who could but wish them back again
When love was so inclined to stay
She started at each little sound
The branches made—yet would her eye
Regret the gloom encroaching round
That told her night was in the sky

I helped her through the hedge row gap
& thought the very thorns unkind
As not to part—while in her lap
She sought the ripest bunch to find
Then on a hill beneath a tree
We leamed her nuts—as lover spells
She often threw the nuts at me
& blushed to see me hurd the shell

Love tokens for an after day
Passports a blushing kiss to claim
Soon went that autumn eve away
& never more its fellow came
The west was in a glorious trim
Of colours mixed in endless thrall

324

& on the dark woods distant rim
The sun hung like a golden ball

Right luscious was those nutting bowers
Impulses sweet for many a day
Joy never smiled on sweeter hours
Or sighed oer sweeter passed away
Twas Marys smiles & sweet replies
That gave the sky so sweet a stain
So bright I never saw him rise
Nor ever set so sweet again

325

THE GIPSEY SONG

The Gipseys life is a merry life
& happy boys we be
We pay no rent nor tax to none
& live untythed & free
None cares for us for none care we
& where we list we roam
& merry boys we gipseys be
Though the wild woods are our home

& come what will brings no dismay
We're with few cares perplext
For if to days a swaily day
We meet with luck the next
& thus we sing & kiss our mates
While our chorus still shall be
Bad luck to tyrant majistrates
& the gipseys dwelling free

To mend old pans & bottom chairs
Around the towns we tramp
When a day or two our purse repairs
& plenty fills our camp
& our songs we sing & our fiddles sound
Their catgut harmony
While echo fills the woods around
With gipsey liberty

The green grass is our softest bed
The sun our clock we call
The nightly sky hangs over head
Our curtains house & all
Though housless while the wild winds blow
Our joys are uncontrouled
We barefoot dance through winters snow
When others die with cold

Our maidens they are fond & free
& lasting are their charms
Brown as the berry on the tree
No suns their beauty harms
Their beautys are no garden blooms
That fade before they flower

326

Unsheltered where the tempest comes
They smile in sun & shower

& they are wild as the woodland hare
That feeds on the evening lea
& what care we for ladys fair
Since ours are fond & free
False hearts hide in a lily skin
But ours are coarse & fond
No parsons fetters link us in
Our hearts a stronger bond

Though the wild woods are our house & home
Tis a home of liberty
Free as the summer clouds we roam
& merry boys we be
We dance & sing the year along
& loud our fiddles play
& no day goes without a song
With us all months are may

The hare that haunts the fallow grounds
& round the common feeds
The fox that tracks the woodland bounds
& in the thicket breeds
These are the neighbours were we dwell
& all the guests we see
That share & love the quiet well
Of gipsey liberty

The elements have grown our friends
& leave our huts alone
The thunder bolt that rocks & rends
The cotters house of stone
Flys harmless by our blanket roofs
Where the winds may burst & blow
For our camps though thin are tempest proof
& buffet rain & snow

May the lot we've met our lives befall
& nothing worse attend
So heres success to gipseys all
& every gipsey friend
& while the ass that bears our camp

327

Can find a common free
Around old Englands heaths we'll tramp
In gipsey liberty

328

PEGGY BAND

O it was a lorn & a dismal night
& the storm beat loud & high
Nor a friendly light to guide me right
Was there shining in the sky
When a lonely hut my wanderings met
Lost in a foreign land
& I found the dearest friend as yet
In my lovely Peggy Band

“O father heres a soldier lad
“& weary he seems to be”
“Then welcome him in” the old man said—
& she gave her seat to me
The fire she trimmed & my cloaths she dried
With her own sweet lily hand
& oer the soldiers lot she sighed
While I blest my Peggy Band

When I told the tale of my wandering years
& the nights unknown to sleep
She made excuse to hide her tears
& she stole away to weep
A pilgrims blessing I seemed to share
As saints of the holy land
& I thought her a guardian angel there
Though he called her his Peggy Band

The night it passed & the hour to part
With the morning winged away
& I felt an anguish at my heart
That vainly bade to stay
I thanked the old man for all he did
& I took his daughters hand
But my heart was full & I could not bid
Farewell to my Peggy Band

A blessing on that friendly cot
Where the soldier found repose
& a blessing be her constant lot
Who soothed the strangers woes
I turned a last look on the door
As she held it in her hand

329

& my heart ached sore as I crossed the moor
To leave my Peggy Band

To the weary ways that I have gone
Full many friends befell
& Ive met with maidens many a one
To use the soldier well
But of all the maids I ever met
At home or in foreign land
Ive never seen the equal yet
Of my charming Peggy Band

330

BALLAD

[The morning hour the sun beguiles]

The morning hour the sun beguiles
With glorys brightly blooming
The flower & summer meet in smiles
& so Ive met with woman
But suns must set with dewy eve
& leave the scene deserted
& flowers must with the summer leave
So I & Mary parted

O Mary I did meet thy smile
When passion was discreetest
& thou didst win my heart the while
When woman seemed the sweetest
When joys were felt that cannot speak
& memory cannot smother
When loves first beauty flushed thy cheek
More sweet then any other

Those eyes that then my passion blest
That burned in loves expression
That bosom where I then could rest
& now have no possession
These waken still in memory
Sad ceasless thoughts about thee
That say how blest Ive been with thee
& how I am without thee

331

SONG

[Come push round the glass tis a god in disguise]

Come push round the glass tis a god in disguise
For riches & joy at its bright bottom lies
What mind is more healthy then his thats at rest
& he that drinks deepest is first to be blest
Though cant may assail us we'll sit at our ease
As her preaching & practice so seldom agrees
She loves what she rails at & soaks in disguise
& sins more then we do in forging up lies

So push round the glass let us live while we may
While joys wings are wetted he can t flye away
The prude he may rail & the vile hypocrite
But a cloak both must have for to make their black white
Good wine needs no bush & day light no pall
Nor a plain honest face need not turn to the wall
So shame not the glass to abuse what we need
But drink & be merry let that be our creed

Then push round the glass & to honour the feast
If we must have a lecture let bacchus be priest
See his wig of vine leaves & his cheeks how they glow
The maxim he gives it behoves us to know
“To do unto others as we'd be done to”
Thats the soul of religion & all we need do
So let cant assail us none cares for her creed
The more she's against us the more we shall speed

332

BALLAD

[Fair maiden when my love began]

Fair maiden when my love began
Ere thou thy beauty knew
I fearless owned my passion then
Nor met reproof from you

But now perfection wakes thy charms
& strangers turn to praise
Thy pride my faint grown heart alarms
& I scarce dare to gaze

Those lips to which mine own did grow
In loves glad infancy
With ruby ripeness now doth glow
As gems too rich for me

The full blown rose thy cheeks doth wear
Those lilys on thy brow
Forget whose kiss their buds did wear
& bloom above me now

Those eyes whose first sweet timid light
Did my young hopes inspire
Like midday suns in splendour bright
Now burn me with their fire

Nor can I weep what I bemoan
As great as are my fears
Too burning is my passion grown
To e'er be quenched by tears

333

BALLAD

[If love be such a wilderness]

If love be such a wilderness
So full of ills & pains & fate
Where to pass through is sure distress
As wailing doleful drones relate
Why should I to such dangers grow
While there are safer roads to go

But well I wot the pains & ills
That sighing lovers do reveal
Are fashioned most by their own wills
& as they fancy so they feel
If they must mourn 'cause one says “no”
Themselves alone do will it so

A maidens frown is not my fate
My heart for hers I'll freely give
But if for love she offers hate
I'll keep my own & rather live
Fool should I be to pain endure
Which frowns can make & smiles can cure

If I ask one that answers “no”
Am I to end my hopes therebye
She cannot make all wills think so
Then prythee tell me why should I
If she says “no” the next I wis
When met as ready may say “yes”

Let lovers fancy what they list
I'll but admire it for its joys
Nor sigh & grieve as beauty wist
Like restless childern after toys
For why should I in trouble run
Which I by heeding not may shun

That love which youth sets out to seek
As eager as the brook doth run
Is not sown on a painted cheek
Where at fools tamper & are won
But wisdom speeds till these be past
& finds it in the heart at last

334

BALLAD

[O would I were the little bird]

O would I were the little bird
To love without a fear
I'd up & tell my love a tale
Might win an angels ear
I'd up & tell a tale of truth
A tale of trouble too
How I do love—how fain to tell
For that I dare not do

O would I were the golden cage
& she the little dove
To wear her on my breast for aye
A bosom load of love
My heart alone her pearch should be
Whereon to nest & woo
There love my fill & own it all
For that I dare not do

O would I were the little flower
The flower she favours best
I'd waste my fragrance all for love
Upon her bonny breast
I'd press with joy my snowy bed
& kiss my pillow too
& love till death & say I would
But that I dare not do

O would I were but any thing
Then the poor thing I be
A bird or flower or een a flye
Less fear it owns then me
Twill try both lip & bosom where
My hopes dare never go
& sing where I must silent mourn
For what I dare not do

335

BALLAD

[The roseys red the roseys white]

The roseys red the roseys white
The rosey blooms in sunny light
But ah it clouds the hearts delight
To muse upon its history
It tells aye many a woeful tale
Of hearts made cold of cheeks made pale
Of loves sad sigh of widows wail
In days of strife & chivalry
& freedom may it aye prevail
That strife no more may be

The roseys red the roseys white
The roseys pleasant to the sight
Now both their hues in one unite
To crown the brows of loyalty
Strife took the white rose for its crest
But concord placed it in her vest
Where it blushed red upon her breast
To join the rose of liberty
& while it blooms as freedoms guest
There let it ever be

336

THE HOMELESS EMIGRANTS SONG

O false love is a bitter thing
& song alone may break the spell
But silence numbs at my harp string
My woes nor song nor words may tell
Tears they will flow for many wrongs
While mine with hopeless winter freeze
& sighs & tears fill many songs
But mine must mourn for more than these

Of friends I neer must see again
That now perchance the grass grows oer
Of joys whose memorys worse then pain
To think of & to see no more
Of loves for which mine own must ach
The more to think it aches in vain
Yet more then this it takes to break
My heart for which no words remain

Tis worse then sickness worse then fears
Then palid looks & hollow eyes
Tis made of thoughts no bosom hears
That wring the sick heart till it dies
Some sigh of wounds from Cupids bow
From deeper wounds my troubles spring
Alas a heart half broken now
Hath left but little power to sing

Tis not of love I would disclose
My troubles flow from deeper streams
Tis my poor country sunk in woes
All else were vain & idle themes
No muse leads me through fancys tales
Like one to whom her powers belong
A homeless lot my heart bewails
& truths the sorrow of the song

337

SONG

[Sweet the pleasures I do find]

Sweet the pleasures I do find
Lovely Jessey near thee
When every green with flowers is lined
& linnets sing to cheer thee
Then my love so fair so kind
Tis heaven while I'm near thee—Jessey
Heaven while Im near thee

Though tis not the charms of spring
Can add a charm to cheer me
When every pleasures took to wing
& left the pasture dreary
When every birds forgot to sing
Tis heaven to be near thee—Jessey
Heaven to be near thee

Left to winters frost & snow
When storms descend severly
Left with birds to pick the slow
& left with thee to cheer me
Still while lifes red tide shall flow
Heaven would be near thee—Jessey
Heaven would be near thee

Banished to some barren isle
Where famine scowled severely
Jessey blest with thee the while
Till life was left to cheer me
Still on fate & thee I'd smile
For heaven would be near thee—Jessey
Heaven would be near thee

338

THE SHEPHERDS LAMENT

Ah faithless love I've met thy scorning
& lain awake from night till morning
Sin' Robins ye agree'd to be
& what could be the reason Nanny
That ye should scowl & look so shanny
When e'er I mentioned love to thee

I knew ye long before another
& when ye lost your darling mother
My fretful tear was mixed with thine
& ever sin' ye left your Granny
To seek your service haughty Nanny
Have I been fooled to think ye mine

I little thought ye'd look above me
When ye were young & used to love me
& innoscent as aught could be
As any lamb beside its mother
When ye would run & call me brother
& on the threshold play with me

When hand in hand in summer weather
We strolled about the fields together
O had but love a known its powers
When innoscently pleased with me
Ye held your quiltings to your knee
& crossed the brook for water flowers

But time is changed & so's my pleasure
& youth has fled & so's my treasure
& sorrow all my days must see
& times destroyed thy careful granny
& prides destroyed the heart of Nanny
She's turned her back on love & me

339

THE TOPERS RANT

Come come my old crones & gay fellows
That loves to drink ale in a horn
We'll sing racey songs now we're mellow
Which topers sung ere we were born
For our bottle kind fate shall be thanked
& line but our pockets with brass
We'll sooner suck ale through a blanket
Then thimbles of wine from a glass

Away with your proud thimble glasses
Of wine foreign nations supply
We topers neer drink to the lasses
Over draughts scarce enough for a flye
Club us with the hedger & ditcher
Or beggar that makes his own horn
To join us oer bottle or pitcher
Foaming oer with the essence of corn

We care not with whom we get tipsey
Or where with brown stout we regale
We'll weather the storm with a gipsey
If he be a lover of ale
We'll weather the toughest storm weary
Although we get wet to the skin
If the outside our cottage looks dreary
We're warm & right happy within

We'll sit till the bushes are dropping
Like the spout of a watering pan
For till the drams drank theres no stopping
We'll keep up the ring to a man
We'll sit till dame nature is feeling
The breath of our stingo so warm
& bushes & trees begin reeling
In our eyes like to ships in a storm

We'll sit from three hours before seven
When larks wake the morning to dance
Till nights sutty brood of eleven
When witches ride over to france
We'll sit it in spite of the weather
Till we tumble our length on the plain

340

When the morning shall find us together
To play the game over again

341

THE OFFER

A BALLAD

With my hair down my back & bibbed up to my chin
Friends had made me a child all the days of my life
Had'n't love a peeped through the disguise I was in
& whispered Bob Rattle to look for a wife
He made me supprised when I heard what he said
& I felt from that hour like a bird that is free
Childish thoughts all for ever went out of my head
& I 'greed Robin Rattles should come & court me

I grew mortal sick of my mothers old fashions
Tyed a bow 'gainst her will feth & shifted a pin
& little she guessed though she fell into passions
Twas done Robin Rattles the ploughman to win
& vain had she made me consciet I'd been younger
She might as well said snow in harvest would be
As tye me a child at her woolen wheel longer
When Rob offered making a woman of me

342

BALLAD

[Give me lifes ease when my leafs turning yellow]

Give me lifes ease when my leafs turning yellow
Leave me no more of cares mountains to climb
Give me lifes calm when my fruits getting mellow
Let no rude winds blow to shorten my prime
Let my last pleasures be just as Ive thought 'em
Let death supprise me with no ruffian call
But soft as the leaves on the breezes of autumn
Let my bald head on its last pillow fall

Three score & ten be my last travels numbered
Three score & ten is the length I desire
Then with few pains & few struggles encumbered
Small would the blow be that death would require
Deaths labours light when by age life is wounded
& if the grave is unhaunted with pain
Long be the time ere the last trump is sounded
Long may I sleep ere I'm wakened again

343

THE PROMISE

A BALLAD

A housed-up-mouse both night & morn
Tyed to the wheel is Nanny
Sure neer a luckless wench were born
To live as I with granny
I can't stir out a foot from home
But she bawls out for Nanny
All sweethearts they're denied to come
Mens poison unto granny

She calls me crazy wild & mad
& says I'm worse then any
If I just look upon a lad
O fye upon thee granny
Thou now art old but if I knew
When ye were young as Nanny
I'll bound ye were as crazy too
& not to baulk ye granny

Last night Tom Tibbs went bye & bye
The youth was slye & shanny
But soon I read his leering eye
“Slip out an hour from granny”
So up I starts a scheme was had
“—Where are ye going Nanny”
I seek the air I'm sick & bad
Said I—& cheated granny

He led me on saying go with me
& see some pleasure Nanny
& peeped & smiled if we agree
We'll soon clear scores with granny
& honey what ye like the best
Say & I'll do't for Nanny
Well then says I to make me blest
Tom take me from my granny

& so he did & grumping gran
She said 'twou'd turn her scranny
Lud O said I if thats the plan
What made ye marry granny
Ive been now long enough at school
To know both sides a penny

344

& if in marrying Im a fool
I'm more akin to granny

& though Toms none I'd chuse my sen
If I were like a many
But I'd neer met the chance agen
When once shut up with granny
With her I might have staid & staid
Till classed with wrinkled Nannys
& then gone crazed a slighted maid
—Who would be ruled by grannys

345

SONG

[Go with your tauntings go]

Go with your tauntings go
Neer think to hurt me so
I'll scoff at your disdain
Cold though the winter blow
When hills are free from snow
It will be spring again

So go & fare thee well
Nor think ye'll have to tell
Of wounded hearts from me
Locked up in your hearts cell
Mine still at home doth dwell
In its first liberty

Bees sip not at one flower
Spring comes not with one shower
Nor shines the sun alone
Upon one favoured hour
But with unstinted power
Makes every day his own

& for my freedoms sake
With such I'll pattern take
& rove & revel on
Your gall shall never make
Me honied paths forsake
So prythee get thee gone

& when my toil is blest
& I find a maid possest
Of truth thats not in thee
Like bird that finds its nest
I'll stop & take my rest
& love as she loves me

346

BALLAD

[O sigh no more love sigh no more]

O sigh no more love sigh no more
Nor pine for earthly treasure
Who fears a shipwreck on the shore
Or meets despair with pleasure

Let not our wants our troubles prove
Although tis winter weather
Nor singly strive with what our love
Can better brave together

Thy love is proved thy worth is such
It cannot fail to bless me
If I loose thee I can't be rich
Nor poor if I possess thee

347

THE INCONSTANT SHEPHERD

OR SORROWS MELODIE

A maid was wooed by a haughty swain & she was fair & gay
As ever song did sing or feign in groves of arcadie
& she was won though he was proud & jealous was his heart
His temper worked her mickle woe her beauty stood no part
The eye that gazed upon her face his anger would bewray
& where was eye that met with such could care to turn away
Smiles though of gentle kind would his stormy temper bare
& ere since smiles were born what heart could frown on one so fair
Sad jealousy thy potion runs like fever through the veins
When the drained cup falls down & turns each fragment into pains
Its thoughts are worse than hellebore & poison berries are
& nought but foulest weeds themselves can thrive & harbour there
So she was wronged & pined forlorn all through such cruelty
Then on his pipe for swains can play thus sad repented he
In a bower he made for her when love first grew too young to wrong
& now morn hung the leaves with dew as if to weep the song
“O woe is me & welladay how could my reason freeze
So far on follys ice to stray to harbour jealousies
Its bitter stream takes hold of hell on sorrows frenzy bound
Nor on its shore one joy appears—all is a desert round
Dark was the thoughts I bore to her whose beauty they dislimnd
White was the bosom which they wronged & bright the eyes they dimmed
Fair was her face & sweet those lips where rubys did prevail
& evil was those thoughts of mine that turned them both so pale
& her fond heart so white & pure that glistened in her eye
O had I known but half its worth I had not let it die
I thought her artless ways were rude & tryed revenge to take
& wronged her heart with idle gibes till it were like to break
But as the ivy clasps the wall & woodbine twines the tree
The more I wronged the more her heart did cleave & cling to me
& all my evil ways could do & deep the wounds they made
The stubborn root would loose no hold though the branches still decayed
Shrinking away as shadows do decaying in decay
& wasting as the snow doth waste that weeps itself away
For beauty ever was I wis always of gentle kind
& the slightest wound inflicted there must leave a scare behind
So she faded on & loved me still & still forbore to mourn
Though I made my heart seem ice her own could not forget to burn
Till I sought new loves & then too true to bear inconstancy

348

It broke in deaths kind arms to rest & left its pains with me
For then I proved her all too true a double death to me”
Then he laid down his troubled lute as weary to complain
But little birds would not be still they mourned to hear the strain
& when he tried some merry tune soon went his fingers wrong
Marring the tune as if his heart would know no other song

349

OCEAN GLORIES
[_]

—TUNE “OLD BENBOW” A BEAUTIFUL MELODIE

Come all you seamen bold who have fought side to side
Come gallant fellows all lend an ear
Tis of an admirals fame
Brave Grenville called by name
How he fought on the main scorning fear till he died
& won a naveys fame you shall hear

The first of seven ships was his own for to meet
The Spaniards line of sail fifty five
& spite of shot & ball
He sailed amidst them all
& there his ship revenge kept at bay their whole fleet
Till scarce a gallant heart beat alive

Come gallant boys he cried I will lead—who will fight
Lives there a soul on board that would run
& out their courage burst
Each tried which should be first
Where hell had een turned tail in despair at the sight
Each rushed on glorys throne to his gun

The Spanish thunder burst on their ship all around
& courage felt a shock so severe
But like a rising sun
The gloom was oer & gone
When Grenvilles cheer was heard English tars keep your ground
I lead you on to fight not to fear

Their masters brave commands they did back all along
& the bravest nailed the flag to the mast
Brave brothers he did cry
We'll fight on till we die
To him the cannons noise was a song was a song
& thus they stood it on to the last

Bold Grenville met a shot & was brought to the ground
& courage for a while forced to bow
They dressed his wounded head
& sorrow quickly fled
When they the laurel saw springing up from the wound
& glory weaving wreaths for his brow

350

For still he lived & cried fight it on we will buy
A victory our foes cannot reap
Lay me in glorys bed
On the quarter deck he said
That I may face my foes & command till I die
& then in honours grave I will sleep

A tallisman to all was his sun ere it set
& glory they pursued to the grave
They fought it on & stood
Till their decks were washed in blood
& when their shot was spent they must yield & they met
A fame which battles won never gave

351

NELSON & THE NILE

Great Nelsons glory near the nile
Set fames bright scroll on fire
& raised a flame in englands isle
That never shall expire
His empire was the ocean-world
The heart of war his throne
Where ever Englands flag unfurled
He riegned & ruled alone
Wherever he wars vengance hurled
There victory was his own

With heart of fire that burnt the mind
& found its peace in strife
With thoughts that did outspeed the wind
& met from terror life
Upon the sea his element
In danger he grew strong
To battle as a feast he went
Its thunder loud & long
Was music & his hearts assent
Beat welcome to the song

The stubborn storms whose fury rends
Full many a gallant mast
His valour won them into friends
They worshiped as he passed
He led his fleet along the sea
The flying foe to hail
His daring filled with merry glee
The spirit of the gale
Who deemed him neptunes self to be
& spread his every sail

Yet long he sought till fortunes day
The first of august came
When Nelson bore into the bay
That deified his name
But day when dared & year when won
My pen need not defile
For victory wrote it while the sun
Did hold his light & smile

352

To see how Nelson fought & won
The battle of the Nile

The taunting foe of safety vain
Their anchors cast aground
Untill the mighty of the main
Like a tempest gathered round
& they that did the world deride
Now trembled at his name
While rocks & shores & seas defied
& danger dared his fame
To all in thunder he replied
& terror shrunk in shame

Full soon their colours & their fleet
Did ruins throne bedeck
Till weary ocean at his feet
Seemed sinking with the wreck
Their pompous ships were hurled on high
& on their wings of flame
Told to the wondering blushing sky
His glory & their shame
While mars in ecchoes made reply
& marvelled at his name

The elements supprised & won
To view so grand a fight
Drew nights black curtains from the sun
Who smiled upon the sight
The sea forgot its waves & lay
Quite still the sight to see
& neptune from his caves that day
Looked out amazedly
& threw his coral crown away
For Nelson ruled the sea

353

MAY QUEEN

A BALLAD

Go leave your loves unsung ye swains
For she that rivals all the rest
Hath won the wreath of may
So throw your pipes upon the plains
For nature knows the fairest maid
& chuses Sally Grey

Go wear your silks ye lady birds
In russet far above you shines
The lady of the May
Your dresses make you what you are
They cannot make you half so fair
As beautys Sally Grey

Go paint with artificial blooms
Your cheeks from natures grace removed
A rose is queen of may
& can ye think your mock perfumes
Make ye so sweet & so beloved
No—look at Sally Grey

Sweet as the dews unto the night
As sunshine to the summer morn
A lady of the may
As secresy to loves delight
Owns smiles more dearer far to one
Who doats on Sally Grey

354

EXPECTATION

A BALLAD

Tis saturday night & my shepherd will come
With a hollow & whistle for me
Be clear o ye skyes take your storm burtherns home
Let no rain drench our favourite tree
For I fear by the things that are hopping about
Theres a sign of a storm coming on
The Frog looks as black as the Toad that creeps out
From under its hiding stone

The cat with her tail runneth round till she reels
& the pigs race with mouthfulls of hay
I sigh at the sight—& felt sick over meals
For Im lone when my shepherds away
When dogs eat the grass it is sure to be rain
& our dogs in the orchard—een now
The swallows flye lowe & my heart is in pain
While the flyes even maddened the cow

The piegons have moped on the cote the day long
& the hens went to bed before noon
The blackbirds long still din the woods with their song
& they look upon showers as a boon
While they keep their nest dry in the wet hazel bush
& moisten their black sutty wing
Did they know but my sorrows they'd quickly be hush
Birds to make lovers happy should sing

& Ive often leaned oer the crofts mossy gate
To listen birds singing at night
When I for the surefooted Rover did wait
& rich was my bosoms delight
& sweet had it been now Im waiting anew
Till the black snail is out from the grain
But the souths ruddy clouds they have turned black & blue
& the blackbirds are singing for rain

The Thrush “wivy wit wivy wit” tother night
Sung aloud in the old sallow bush
& I called him a pert little urchin outright
To sing “heavy wet”—And the Thrush
Changed his note in a moment to “cheer up” & “cheer”

355

& the clouds crept away from the sun
Till my shepherd he came & when Thrushes I hear
My heart with the music is won

But the blackbird is rude & insulting & now
The more the clouds blacken the sky
The louder he sings from the green hazel bough
But he may be sad bye & bye
For the cowboy is stooping beneath the oak tree
Whose branches hang down to the ground
& beating his stick on the bushes to see
If a bird startles out from the sound

So silence is safety & bird have a care
Or your song will your dwelling betray
For yesterday morning I saw your nest there
But sung not to fright ye away
& now the boys near you—well done cunning bird
You have ceased & popt out tother side
Your nest it is safe not a leaf has he stirred
& I have my shepherd descried

356

LOVE OF THE FIELDS

The shepherd bends musing beneath the green thorn
& his shag dog as black as a coal
Wet with chasing the rabbits about in the corn
Lies to watch them bob out of the hole
In the bank—& to make up the picture of morn
The mare stands a knapping the foal
& when these delicious enchantments I see
O I think what a life must the glad shepherds be

Then he'll sawn by the brook where the dewberrys shoot
That for all the world look as the morn
Had breathed as it past—& the old willow root
Makes his foothold a step—& the thorn
Grows a staff—while he reaches a maiden the fruit
Whom beauty & blushes adorn
& when such delicious green pictures I see
O who can help wishing their tennant to be

Then the woodman he goes with his hatchet & bill
A singing old songs as he goes
& the wood gate it claps as twould never be still
Till echo affrightens the crows
In the oaks—& the rabbit pops off from the hill
As hid in green bushes he goes
Brushing through the green ferns by the hugh spreading tree
O I think what a joy must the forresters be

By the old spinney gate in the green narrow lane
The gipsey sits under his camp
Where the woodbines are all in full blossom again
& the ass stands the thistle to champ
On the hill—while the camp is so hid from the rain
& the grass is so free from the damp
& through the green leaves the sun gleams so divine
O I cannot help wishing his pleasures were mine

The shepherd enjoys all the riches of may
& labour grows pleasure by stealth
The woodman abides in the old forest grey
Amidst the green temple of health
In the swale—while the gipsey he builds in a day
A house without trouble or wealth

357

& when these delicious green pictures I see
O I wish the fields out-of-door tennant to be

To make a cot een of a hugh hollow tree
Where the badger hath burrowed a den
Or warp a rude camp on the molehilly lea
Where the sheep bleat away from the pen
On the fallows—or else in the green forest be
Where the fox seeketh safety agen
O I think though the world has grown old in its care
I should meet with the garden of paradise there

358

THE BOUNTY OF PROVIDENCE

I think I'm as rich as a man need to be
Though money nor land fortune ever left me
Yet Ive that which belongs as a free common right
To us all—& it giveth my bosom delight
To see the sun smile on my cottage & bring
Daily splendour as rich as he leaves with the king
—Overshadowed with care I can go to the door
& see the sun smile till the cloud passes oer

Nor land nor yet living belongs unto me
Yet I can go out in the meadows & see
The healthy green grass—& behold the shower fall
As the wealth of that being that blesses us all
& he that feels this who can say he is poor
For fortunes the birthright of joy—nothing more
& he that feels thus takes the wealth from the soil
For the mizer owns nought but the trouble & toil

My power it is nothing my riches is small
Yet my mind is as free as the richest of all
& my will to do good is as great as the best
For nature she teaches this lesson at least
As she looks upon me so to look upon all
With a joy that would no creatures blessings forestall
For the sun so exalted in glory & high
Bids the ant be as welcome to greet him as I

Having little I'll be with that little content
& take fortunes gifts in the way that she meant
To look at my lot as the best that could be
From the troubles & toil of ambition all free
With an old pocket legend wearing gold to the end
“He never is poor that keeps god for his friend”
I look on the skies & think so—for they fall
One vast hope & blessing alike over all

359

DECAY

A BALLAD

O poesy is on the wane
For fancys visions all unfitting
I hardly know her face again
Nature herself seems on the flitting
The fields grow old & common things
The grass the sky the winds a blowing
& spots where still a beauty clings
Are sighing “going all a going”
O poesy is on the wane
I hardly know her face again

The bank with brambles overspread
& little molehills round about it
Was more to me then laurel shades
With paths & gravel finely clouted
& streaking here & streaking there
Through shaven grass & many a border
With rutty lanes had no compare
& heaths were in a richer order
But poesy is in its wane
I hardly know her face again

I sat with love by pasture streams
Aye beautys self was sitting bye
Till fields did more then edens seem
Nor could I tell the reason why
I often drank when not a dry
To pledge her health in draughts divine
Smiles made it nectar from the sky
Love turned een water into wine
O poesy is on the wane
I cannot find her face again

The sun those mornings used to find
When clouds were other-country-mountains
& heaven looked upon the mind
With groves & rocks & mottled fountains
These heavens are gone—the mountains grey
Turned mist—the sun a homeless ranger
Pursuing on a naked way
Unnoticed like a very stranger
O poesy is on its wane
Nor love nor joy is mine again

360

Loves sun went down without a frown
For very joy it used to grieve us
I often think that west is gone
Ah cruel time to undecieve us
The stream it is a naked stream
Where we on sundays used to ramble
The sky hangs oer a broken dream
The brambles dwindled to a bramble
O poesy is on its wane
I cannot find her haunts again

Mere withered stalks & fading trees
& pastures spread with hills & rushes
Are all my fading vision sees
Gone gone is raptures flooding gushes
When mushrooms they were fairy bowers
Their marble pillars overswelling
& danger paused to pluck the flowers
That in their swarthy rings were dwelling
But poesys spells are on the wane
Nor joy nor fear is mine again

Aye poesy hath passed away
& fancys visions undecieve us
The night hath taen the place of day
& why should passing shadows grieve us
I thought the flowers upon the hills
Where flowers from Adams open gardens
& I have had my summer thrills
& I have had my hearts rewardings
So poesy is on its wane
I hardly know her face again

& friendship it hath burned away
Just like a very ember cooling
A make believe on april day
That sent the simple heart a fooling
Mere jesting in an earnest way
Decieving on & still decieving
& hope is but a fancy play
& joy the art of true believing
For poesy is on the wane
O could I feel her faith again

361

HOME HAPPINESS

BALLAD

Like a thing of the desert alone in its glee
I make a small home seem an empire to me
Like a bird in the forest whose home is its nest
My home is my all & the centre of rest
Let ambition stride over the world at a stride
Let the restless go rolling away with the tide
I look on lifes pleasures as follys at best
& like sunset feel calm when Im going to rest

I sit by the fire in the dark winters night
While the cat cleans her face with her foot in delight
& the winds all acold with rude clatter & din
Shake the windows like robbers who want to come in
Or else from the cold to be hid & away
Where the fire it burns bright & my childerns at play
Making houses of cards or a coach of a chair
While I sit enjoying their happiness there

I walk round the orchard on sweet summer eves
& rub the perfume from the black currant leaves
Which like the geranium when touched leaves a smell
That ladslove & sweet briar can hardly excell
& watch the things grow all begemed with the shower
That glitter like pearls in a sunshiny hour
& hear the pert robin just startle a tune
To cheer the lone hedger when labour is done

Joys come like the grass in the field springing there
Without the mere toil of attention or care
They come of them selves like a star in the sky
& the brighter they shine when the cloud passes bye
I wish but for little & find it all there
Where peace gives its faith to the home of the hare
Who otherwise would in her fears run away
From the shade of the flower & the breeze of the day

O the out of door blessings of leisure for me
Health riches & joy—O it owns them all three
There peace comes to me I have faith in her smile
Shes my playmate in leisure my comfort in toil
There the short pasture grass hides the lark on its nest

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Though scarcely so high as the grasshoppers breast
& there its moss ball hides the wild honey bee
& there joy in plenty grows riches for me

Far away from the world its delusions & snares
Where words are but breath & its breathings but cares
Where troubles sown thick as the dews of the morn
Can scarce set a foot without meeting a thorn
There are some views the world as a light cuckaball
There are some looks on citys like stones in a wall
Nothing bigger—but these are ambition his heirs
For which I have neither the courage or cares

So I sit on my bench or enjoy in the shade
My toil as a pleasure while using the spade
While fancy is free in her pleasure to stray
Making voyages round the whole world in a day
To gather home comforts where cares never grew
Like manna the heavens rain down with the dew
Till I see the tired hedger bend wearily bye
Then like a tired bird to my corner I flye

363

THE MAIDENS COMPLAINT

A BALLAD

My partners jeer me all the May
& call me proud & high
& court her not the boobys say
Or bid your heart good bye
& all because a silly swain
Left home & went to sea
& wrote accross the pathless main
To throw the cause at me
He never came my heart to woo
& prythee what could Peggy do

He walked on sundays by my side
& talked of fields & flowers
I spoke again & then he sighed
& so he did for hours
He'd praise the kerchief on my breast
The ribbons on my hat
But from such ways who ever guest
That there was aught in that
He never strove my love to woo
I looked—what else could Peggy do

& then he'd turn his head away
To get at hedgrow flowers
& wade for king cups in the hay
& so he did for hours
But neer so much as gave me one
Or ask for one from me
Can love make language in a stone
Or find a speaking tree
I had not been a stone to woo
What else could cruel Peggy do

364

THE CELLAR DOOR

A BALLAD

By the old tavern door on the causway there lay
A hogshead of stingo just rolled from a dray
& there stood the blacksmith awaiting a drop
As dry as the cinders that lay in his shop
& there stood the cobler as dry as a bun
Almost crackt like a bucket when left in the sun
He'd wetted his knife upon pendil & hone
Till he'd not got a spittle to moisten the stone
So ere he could work though he'd lost the whole day
He must wait the new broach & bemoisten his clay

The cellar was empty each barrel was drained
To its dregs—& Sir John like a rebel remained
In the street—for removal too powerful & large
For two or three topers to take into charge
Odds zooks said a gipsey with bellows to mend
Had I strength I would just be for helping a friend
To walk on his legs but a child in the street
Had as much power as he to put John on his feet
Then up came the blacksmith Sir Barley said he
I should just like to storm your old tower for a spree

& my strength for your strength & bar your renown
I'd soon try your spirit by cracking your crown
& the cobler he tuckt up his apron & spit
In his hands for a burster but devil a bit
Would he move—so as yet they made nothing of land
For there lay the knight like a whale in the sand
Says the tinker if I could but drink of his veins
I should just be as strong & as stubborn again
Push along said the toper the cellars adry
Theres nothing to moisten the mouth of a flye

Says the host we shall burn out with thirst hes so big
Theres a cag of small swipes half as sour as a wig
In such like extreams why extreams will come pat
So lets e'en go & wet all our whistles with that
Says the gipsey may I never bottom a chair
If I drink of small swipes while Sir Johns lying there
& the blacksmith he threw off his apron & swore
Small swipes should bemoisten his gullet no more

365

Let it out on the floor for the dry cock-a-roach
& he held up his hammer with threatens to broach

Sir John in his castle without leave or law
& suck out his blood with a reed or a straw
Ere he'd soak at the swipes—& he turned him to start
Till the host for high treason came down a full quart
Just then passed the dandy & turned up his nose
They'd fain had him shoved but he looked at his cloaths
& nipt his nose closer & twirled his stick round
& simpered tis nuisance to lie on the ground
But bacchus he laughed from the old tavern sign
Saying go on thou shadow & let the sun shine

Then again they all tried & the tinker he swore
That the hogshead had grown twice as heavy or more
Nay nay said the toper & reeled as he spoke
We're all getting weak thats the end of the joke
The ploughman came up & cut short his old tune
Hallooed “woi” to his horses & though it was june
Said he'd help them an hour ere he'd keep them adry
“Well done” said the blacksmith with hopes running high
“He moved & by jingos success to the plough
Aye aye said the cobler we'll conquor him now

The hogshead rolled forward the toper fell back
& the host laughed aloud as his sides they would crack
To see the old tinkers toil make such a gap
In his coat as to rend it from collar to flap
But the tinker he grunted & cried “fiddle dee”
This garment hath been an old tennant with me
& a needle & thread with a little good skill
When Ive leisure will make it stand more weathers still
Then crack went his trunks from the hip to the knee
With his thrusting—no matter for nothing cared he

So long as Sir John rolled along to the door
He's a chip of our block said the blacksmith & swore
& as sure as I live to drive nails in a shoe
He shall have at my cost a full pitcher or two
& the toper he hiccuped which hindered an oath
So long as he'd credit he'd pitcher them both
But the host stopt to hint when he'd ordered the dray
Sir Barleycorns order was purchase & pay

366

& now the old knight is imprisoned & taen
To waste in the tavern mans cellar again

& now said the blacksmith let forfeits come first
For the insult swipes offered or his hoops I will burst
Here it is my old heartys—then drink your thirst full
Said the host for the stingo is worth a strong pull
Never fear for your legs if theyre broken to day
Winds only blow straws dust & feathers away
But the cask that is full like a jiant he lies
& jiants alone can his spirits capsize
If he lies in the path though a kings coming bye
John Barleycorns mighty & there will he lye

Then the toper sat down with a hiccup & felt
If he'd still an odd coin in his pocket to melt
& he made a wry face for his pocket was bare
—But he laughed & danced up “what old boy are you there”
When he felt that a stiver had got to his knee
Through a hole in his fob & right happy was he
Says the tinker Ive brawled till no breath I have got
& not met with twopence to purchase a pot
Says the toper Ive powder to charge a long gun
& a stiver Ive found when I thought I'd got none

So by helping a thirsty old friend in his need
Is my duty—take heart thou art welcome indeed
Then the smith with his tools in Sir John made a breach
& the toper he hiccuped & ended his speech
& pulled at the quart till the snob he declared
When he went to drink next that the bottom was bared
No matter for that said the toper & grinned
I had but a soak & neer rested for wind
Thats law said the smith with a look rather vexed
But the quart was a forfeit so pay for the next

Then they talked of their skill & their labour till noon
When the sober mans toil was exactly half done
& there the plough lay—people hardly could pass
& the horses let loose pinsoned up the short grass
& browsed on the bottle of flags lying there
By the gipseys old budget for mending a chair
The millers horse tyed to the old smithy door
Stood stamping his feet by the flies bitten sore

367

Awaiting the smith as he wanted a shoe
& he stampt till another fell off & made two

Till the miller expecting that all would get loose
Went to seek him & cursed him outright for a goose
But he dipt his dry beak in the mug once or twice
& forgot all his passion & toils in a trice
& the fly bitten horse at the old smithy post
Might stamp till his shoes & his legs they were lost
He sung his old songs & forgot his old mill
Blow winds high or low she might rest at her will
& the cobbler in spite of his bustle for pelf
Left the shop all the day to take care of itself

& the toper who carried his house on his head
No wife to be teazing no barns to be fed
Would sit out the week or the month or the year
Or a lifetime so long as he'd credit or beer
The ploughman he talked of his skill as divine
How he could plough thurrows as straight as a line
& the blacksmith he swore had he but the command
He could shoe the kings hunter the best in the land
& the cobbler declared was his skill but once seen
He should soon get an order for shoes from the queen

But the tinker he swore he could beat them all three
For gi me a pair of old bellows says he
& I'll make them roar out like the wind in a storm
& make them blow fire out of coals hardly warm
The toper said nothing but wished the quart full
& swore he could toss it all off at a pull
Ha' done said the tinker but wit was away
When the bet was to bind him he'd nothing to pay
& thus in the face of lifes sun & shower weather
They drank bragged & sung & got merry together

The sun it went down—the last gleam from his brow
Flung a smile of repose on the holiday plough
The glooms they approached & the dews like a rain
Fell thick & hung pearls on the old sorrel mane
Of the horse that the miller had brought to be shod
& the morning awoke saw a sight rather odd
For a bit of the halter still hung at the door
Bit through by the horse now at feed on the moor

368

& the old tinkers budget lay still in the weather
While all kept on singing & drinking together

369

REMEMBRANCES

Summer pleasures they are gone like to visions every one
& the cloudy days of autumn & of winter cometh on
I tried to call them back but unbidden they are gone
Far away from heart & eye & for ever far away
Dear heart & can it be that such raptures meet decay
I thought them all eternal when by Langley bush I lay
I thought them joys eternal when I used to shout & play
On its bank at “clink & bandy” “chock” & “taw” & ducking stone
Where silence sitteth now on the wild heath as her own
Like a ruin of the past all alone

When I used to lie & sing by old eastwells boiling spring
When I used to tie the willow boughs together for a “swing”
& fish with crooked pins & thread & never catch a thing
With heart just like a feather—now as heavy as a stone
When beneath old lea close oak I the bottom branches broke
To make our harvest cart like so many working folk
& then to cut a straw at the brook to have a soak
O I never dreamed of parting or that trouble had a sting
Or that pleasures like a flock of birds would ever take to wing
Leaving nothing but a little naked spring

When jumping time away on old crossberry way
& eating awes like sugar plumbs ere they had lost the may
& skipping like a leveret before the peep of day
On the rolly polly up & downs of pleasant swordy well
When in round oaks narrow lane as the south got black again
We sought the hollow ash that was shelter from the rain
With our pockets full of peas we had stolen from the grain
How delicious was the dinner time on such a showry day
O words are poor receipts for what time hath stole away
The ancient pulpit trees & the play

When for school oer “little field” with its brook & wooden brig
Where I swaggered like a man though I was not half so big
While I held my little plough though twas but a willow twig
& drove my team along made of nothing but a name
“Gee hep” & “hoit” & “woi”—O I never call to mind
These pleasant names of places but I leave a sigh behind
When I see the little mouldywharps hang sweeing to the wind
On the only aged willow that in all the field remains

370

& nature hides her face where theyre sweeing in their chains
& in a silent murmuring complains

Here was commons for their hills where they seek for freedom still
Though every commons gone & though traps are set to kill
The little homeless miners—O it turns my bosom chill
When I think of old “sneap green” puddocks nook & hilly snow
Where bramble bushes grew & the daisy gemmed in dew
& the hills of silken grass like to cushions to the view
Where we threw the pissmire crumbs when we'd nothing else to do
All leveled like a desert by the never weary plough
All vanished like the sun where that cloud is passing now
& settled here for ever on its brow

O I never thought that joys would run away from boys
Or that boys would change their minds & forsake such summer joys
But alack I never dreamed that the world had other toys
To petrify first feelings like the fable into stone
Till I found the pleasure past & a winter come at last
Then the fields were sudden bare & the sky got overcast
& boyhoods pleasing haunts like a blossom in the blast
Was shrivelled to a withered weed & trampled down & done
Till vanished was the morning spring & set that summer sun
& winter fought her battle strife & won

By Langley bush I roam but the bush hath left its hill
On cowper green I stray tis a desert strange & chill
& spreading lea close oak ere decay had penned its will
To the axe of the spoiler & self interest fell a prey
& crossberry way & old round oaks narrow lane
With its hollow trees like pulpits I shall never see again
Inclosure like a Buonaparte let not a thing remain
It levelled every bush & tree & levelled every hill
& hung the moles for traitors—though the brook is running still
It runs a nake[d] brook cold & chill

O had I known as then joy had left the paths of men
I had watched her night & day be sure & never slept agen
& when she turned to [go] O I'd caught her mantle then
& wooed her like a lover by my lonely side to stay
Aye knelt & worshiped on as love in beautys bower
& clung upon her smiles as a bee upon a flower
& gave her heart my poesys all cropt in a sunny hour
As keepsakes & pledges all to never fade away

371

But love never heeded to treasure up the may
So it went the common road with decay

372

A WORLD FOR LOVE

O this world is all too rude for thee with much ado & care
O this world is but a rude world & hurts a thing so fair
Was there a nook in which the world had never been to sere
That world would prove a paradise when thou & love was near

& there to pluck the blackberry & there to reach the sloe
How joyously & quietly would love thy partner go
Then rest when weary on a bank where not a grassy blade
Had ere been bent by troubles feet & love thy pillow made

For summer would be evergreen though sloes was in their prime
& winter smile his frowns to spring in beautys happy clime
& months would come & months would go & all in sunny moods
& every thing inspired by thee grow beautifully good

& there to seek a cot unknown to any care & pain
& there to shut the door alone on singing wind & rain
Far far away from all the world more rude then rain or wind
& who could wish a sweeter home or better place to find

Then thus to live & love with thee thou beautiful delight
Then thus to love & live with thee the summer day & night
& earth itself where thou had rest would surely smile to see
Herself grow eden once again possest of love & thee

373

GOD BLESS THEE

Thou lovely one thy witching face
Doth win the heedless passer bye
To marvel what a winning grace
Hath woman in her majesty
God bless thee
Hearts mutter in warm youths excess
& with fond praise caress thee
When beauty smiles can praise do less
Then wish all good to bless thee

Thou lovely one thy claim to good
Is coeternal with the sky
& heaven is of thy sisterhood
It shineth in thy timid eye
Thy love & faith an heaven hath made
God bless thee
Mens worship need not be affraid
Though as angels they caress thee
For thourt an angel ready made
They cannot help but bless thee

Praise cometh from thy tongue to me
Music & love & every thing
& in thy faith that heaven I see
That gives delight to suffering
& turns aside the thorns of care
God bless thee
In joy & hope & dark despair
My praises did caress thee
& even in death I'll love thee there
& everlasting bless thee

374

THE SHEPHERD

When the bloom on the black thorn shines white in the sun
& the rook begins building her nest
When the lambs round the molehillocks gambol & run
Then the shepherds glad toil is the best
From the dust of the barn where the cobwebs in ropes
Hang down from the roof & the wall
& the thresher alone oer his dull labour mopes
While the barndoor fowl cackle & squall

The shepherd while Dolly sits milking her cow
Stands telling love tales & the like
Or takes a few rounds with his partner at plough
& then he leaps over the dyke
& hies him away to his sheep in the close
Where the blackcap sings loud in his ear
& thus with his labour & pleasant discourse
He enjoys the new smiles of the year

In the morning he lets out his sheep from the pen
While the wood piegon cooes in the tree
& drives them away to the green springing glen
Where the pewet sweeps over the lea
& there he roams round till the shut of the sun
& sees the bird building its nest
& when his half play & half labour is done
He whistles away to his rest

While his dog snufts the path with a eager delight
Oft starting the rabit & hare
Who venture the new sprouting grasses to bite
As far from the wood as they dare
& first at the cottage he scrats at the door
To tell that his master is come
& there the glad shepherd drops down in his chair
& tells his day stories at home

Or takes up a book full of stories & songs
Reading such as his fancies admire
While his childern ride cock horse on poker & tongues
& his dog licks his feet at the fire
Often musing awhile oer the comforts he feels
Then to bed untill morning again

375

When his dog is heard barking aloud at his heels
As he whistles away to the plain

376

SUMMER BALLAD

Poesy now in summer stoops
Full fifty times a day
The green turns gold with buttercups
The hedges white with may
The ballad singing larks now troop
By dozens from the hay
& dozens down as soon as up
Leaves one the time to play

But sweeter ballads fill the vale
When maidens meet the morn
& the red cow stands oer the pail
Beneath the squatty thorn
Where sheep come up & rub their heads
& cows lie down to chew
Their cuds beneath the battered shade
When grass is wet with dew

The magpies nest is on the top
She cannot sing—but shows
Mays hurry while the maiden stops
& chatters till she goes
The mays field ballads much would need
If song was all its lot
& all its bustle rude indeed
If beauty owned it not

Morn sprinkles treasures in her way
Green health in every place
& I thought verses half the day
To pass so sweet a face
Dress sets not off her face so well
As it sets off her dress
Love easy knows where beauty dwells
If fancy bids it guess

She might have sweethearts half a score
& that in half a year
But she has one & wants no more
& blushes when he's near
From idle words she turns away
& frowns will fools reprove

377

But kindness she with kindness pays
Till almost ta'en for love

No broaches on her breast she wears
Pind down with golden pins
She gives herself no foolish airs
Nor feels the praise she wins
Though fancy many a flounce prefers
When may day comes about
Pride has but small to do with her
Thats rich enough without

She loves on sunday noons to go
Among the birds in may
Where buntings “pink” “pink” [“]pink” as though
They followed all the way
She dances round & skips the stile
Rich in her sunday dress
& meets from every face a smile
The type of happiness

& so delightful grows the walk
With loves familiar ear
Joy almost may in ballads talk
When beauty listens near
& soon as she has past the farm
& eyes are out of sight
She takes the waiting shepherds arm
& dallys with delight

She loves to spend an hour or so
With neighbours & to see
How pinks & cloves & lilys grow
Which goody shows so free
Beds edged with daisys red & white
& thrift & london pride
Appears to her so fine a sight
That nowhere owns beside

Few are the flowers her taste prefers
Yet looking up & down
She nips a leaf of lavender
To put within her gown
She loves a flower her gown to grace

378

But asks not—& recieves
A nosegay sweet—for beautys face
In welcomes favour lives

The young their silent gifts bestow
That somthing more would tell
& old folks happy are to show
They ever wish it well
She loves the garden bench at eve
& takes her sewing there
& gets by heart the last new song
A present from the fair

She has a love for many things
But will not own to one
& he who sees her home at spring
Is kept a secret on
She loves the oak upon the green
In may with apples hung
For there she sits & sings unseen
The songs her mother sung

She loves the thrush that comes to sing
Upon the hedgerow bough
& curly coated lambs of spring
That race up to the cow
The shepherd dog in shaggy suit
In e'er such haste will stand
& though the old yoe stamps her foot
Awaits the patting hand

The wouldbe sweetheart often drops
Love welcomes in her way
& she her ballad only stops
To pass the time of day
While some would compliment her health
& win esteem unseen
Beauty unconscious of its wealth
Knows not the maid they mean

She loves the green that herds the cow
& gives her labour joy
Where she plays crookhorn even now
As wild as any boy

379

The sweetest blessings life provides
Her village peace bestows
Though some few towns where kin resides
Is all the world she knows

& I could go when morning pays
Green welcome to her song
& I could stay when evening stays
Nor think her longest long
& lie upon the grass & think
& in the rushes make
With her sweet looks for pen & ink
Green ballads for her sake

University of Virginia Library

BALLADS & SONGS

THE SHEPHERDS SONG

THE MOTHERS ADVICE

WOMAN

SONG

[O the voice of womans love]

FIRST LOVES RECOLLECTIONS

BALLAD

[There is a tender flower]

THE MAID OF THE HALL

BALLAD

[I dreamt not what it was to woo]

BALLAD

[Where is the heart thou once hast won]

THE MILKMAID

THE MILKING HOUR

SONG

[Come give us the health to the dearest on earth]

LOVE

BALLAD

[The spring returns the pewet screams]

THE OLD MANS SONG

SALLY GREEN

BALLAD—THE BACKWARD SPRING

NUTTING

THE GIPSEY SONG

PEGGY BAND

BALLAD

[The morning hour the sun beguiles]

SONG

[Come push round the glass tis a god in disguise]

BALLAD

[Fair maiden when my love began]

BALLAD

[If love be such a wilderness]

BALLAD

[O would I were the little bird]

BALLAD

[The roseys red the roseys white]

THE HOMELESS EMIGRANTS SONG

SONG

[Sweet the pleasures I do find]

THE SHEPHERDS LAMENT

THE TOPERS RANT

THE OFFER

A BALLAD

BALLAD

[Give me lifes ease when my leafs turning yellow]

THE PROMISE

A BALLAD

SONG

[Go with your tauntings go]

BALLAD

[O sigh no more love sigh no more]

THE INCONSTANT SHEPHERD

OR SORROWS MELODIE

OCEAN GLORIES [_] —TUNE “OLD BENBOW” A BEAUTIFUL MELODIE

NELSON & THE NILE

MAY QUEEN

A BALLAD

EXPECTATION

A BALLAD

LOVE OF THE FIELDS

THE BOUNTY OF PROVIDENCE

DECAY

A BALLAD

HOME HAPPINESS

BALLAD

THE MAIDENS COMPLAINT

A BALLAD

THE CELLAR DOOR

A BALLAD

REMEMBRANCES

A WORLD FOR LOVE

GOD BLESS THEE

THE SHEPHERD

SUMMER BALLAD

OCEAN GLORIES
[_]

—TUNE “OLD BENBOW” A BEAUTIFUL MELODIE