University of Virginia Library

MARY.

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Tune,—“Guid night and joy be wi' ye a'.

The Summer sun was out of sight,
His parting beams danc'd on the flood;
The fisher watch'd the silver fry,
As in the stream he bending stood;

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The blackbird mourn'd departing day,
And call'd his partner to his nest,
When I up Eden took my way,
To meet my Mary I love best.
I gaz'd upon her matchless face,
That fairer than the lily seem'd;
I mark'd the magic of her eye,
That with love's pow'rful lightning beam'd;
I saw her cheek of beauteous red,
That, blushing, told a lover's pain,
Then stole a kiss; if 'twas a crime,
Ye gods, oft may I sin again!
Fast flew the hours, now rose the moon,
And told us it was time to part;
I saw her to her mother's door,
She whisper'd low, “thou hast my heart!”
I thro' the lattice stole a glance,
And heard her angry mother chide;
Then thought of all a parent's cares,
As from the cot I homeward hied.
I've tasted pleasures, dearly bought,
And read mankind in many a page;
But woman, woman sweeten's life,
From giddy youth to feeble age!

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Ye worldlings court coy fortune's smile;
Ye rakes in quest of pleasure rove;
Ye drunkards drown each sense with wine;
Be mine the dear delights of love!