The Collected Songs of Charles Mackay With Illustrations by John Gilbert |
 |
|
| I. |
| II. |
| III. |
| IV. |
| V. |
| VI. |
| VII. |
| VIII. |
| IX. |
| X. |
| XI. |
| XII. |
THE BARLEY AND THE HOP. |
 | The Collected Songs of Charles Mackay |  |
159
THE BARLEY AND THE HOP.
I
'Twas in the morning early,The grass was wet with dew,
That young and lusty Barley
Went o'er the hills to woo.
His cheek was like the cherry,
His beard like threaded gold;
His laugh was loud and merry,
His step was brisk and bold.
He sought his lady, smiling,
And falling on his knee,
Exclaim'd, “Without beguiling,
“I've come to marry thee!”
II
Oh, modest was the maiden,And comely to be seen,
Her robes of green array'd in,
And gemm'd with diamond sheen.
Her hair, in ringlets yellow,
Hung clust'ring o'er her eyes;
Her breath was sweet and mellow,
Like balm of summer skies.
“Sweet maid!” quoth he, “thy beauty
“Excels the flaunting Vine!
“To love thee is a duty;
“I die to make thee mine!”
160
III
All blushing to behold him,She strove to answer “Nay!”
But, softly whisp'ring, told him
To name the happy day.
Hop shook her golden tresses,
The bearded Barley sprang,
And birds in green recesses
Their bridal chorus sang.
Long may this couple flourish
In every frothing can,
Our drooping strength to nourish,
And cheer the heart of man!
| The Collected Songs of Charles Mackay | |