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Love is the Occaſion of my Overthrow.
AS I was a walking for my recreation,
down by a ſilent ſhady grove,
I heard a damſel make ſad lamentation,
crying alas! I have loſt my love:
For he was always conſtant and loyal,
and unto me great kindneſs did ſhow,
My parents gave him a plain denial,
love was the occaſion of my overthrow.
O unkind parents, hard hearted and cruel,
you could not do me greater ſpite?
Thus to bereave me of my dear jewel,
in whom I plac'd my heart's delight:
Was it becauſe that I am an heireſs,
and his parents mean and low;
And if it be, then the greater my care is,
love was the occaſion of my overthrow.
Some they will marry for gold and ſilver,
and many ſuch for wealth likewiſe,
But I will not marry for gold nor ſilver,
which melts like ſnow when the fun doth riſe:
True love alone, will undo me for ever,
like to the ſpring, from the fountain does flow,
Since I have loſt my deareſt for ever,
love was the occaſion of my overthrow.
Love is like an unquenchable fire,
like to a violent fever that burn,
Here in the grove I mean to retire,
home to my parents I ne'er will return.
Farewel father, and farewel mother,
farewel friend, and farewel foe,
You are to blame above all other,
love was the cauſe of my overthrow.
