Donald M'Donald/Answer to the Happy Stranger
For other versions of this work, see An Answer to the Happy Stranger.
Answer to the happy Strangers.
I once was a stranger in a far country did roam,When young Jemmy of Newry came to me alone,He said my dear jewel now tell me I pray,How you came to wander in a desert this way.
She said pray young man don't attempt to persuade,Or take an advantage of me a poor maid,It was my cruel father who caused me to straySo far from my home, and to wander this way.
I loved a young man, and he loved me,But because he was poor and of low degree,It was my cruel parents that press'd him to sea,Which made me to wander here and a stranger to be.
When I heard that my true love in battle was slain,I packed up my jewels from my father's house I came,Determin'd to wander in lonesome retire,And there to lament for the youth I admire.
Then young Jemmy of Newry with a most graceful bow,He said lovely fair maid the truth I'll tell you now;It was false lovers that caus'd me to roam,And wander so many miles distant from home.
Then he said lovely fair maid if you will agree,Since we are both cross'd in love, I'll marry with thee;Then dry up your tears, I'll ease you of your pain,And marry with me, I'll be your kind swain.
To a neighbouring village they then did repair,Where a licence was bought, and they married were;And now the two strangers in love both agree,In a neat little cottage by a shady green tree.
No longer they wander in desarts alone,In content they live in their cottage at home,The lark, thrush, and linnet, round their cottage do sing,And both live as happy as a prince or a king.