University of Virginia Library

II.Age—Sixteen Years.

I've come o'er the fields to meet thee, lass,
O'er the misty meadows green;
Before the sun has dried the grass,
Or the earliest lark was seen.
I've come through the rye to meet thee, lass,
All through the rye-rigs deep;
Before the cloud from the hill might pass,—
While the plover is fast asleep.
My father's wains are on the highway,
We will meet them by the tree,
And ride to the town, so blithe and gay,
In each other's company.

17

Then dip thy face in the water clear,
Lave it over thy shoulders fair;
And quickly lace thy bodice, dear,
And snood up thy parted hair.
For I've come through the rye to meet thee, lass,
O'er the misty meadows green,
Before the cloud from the hill might pass,
Before plover or lark was seen.