Plowman's ditty/Ungrateful Nanny
UNGRATEFUL NANNY.
Did ever swain a nymph adore,
as I ungrateful Nanny do?
Was ever seepherd's heart so sore,
or ever broken heart so true?
My cheeks are swell'd with tears, but she
Has never wet a check for me.
If Nanny call'd did e'er I stay,
or linger when she bid me run;
She only had the word to say,
and all she wish'd was quickly done,
I always think of her, but she
Does ne'er bestow a thought or me.
To let her cows my clover taste,
have I not rose by break of day?
Did ever Nanny's heifers fast,
if Robin in his barn had hay?
Tho' to my fields they welcome were,
I ne'er was welcome yet to her.
If ever Nanny lost a sheep,
I cheerfully did give her two;
And I her lambs did safely keep
within my fold in frost and snow
Have they not there from cold been free?
But Nanny still is cold to me.
When Nanny to the well did come,
'twa I that did her pitchers fill;
Pull as they were I brought them home,
her corn I carried to the mill;
My back did bear the sack but she
Will never bear a sight of me.
To Nanny's poultry oats I gave,
I'm sure they always had the best;
Within this week her pigeons have
eat up a peek of pease at least.
Her little pigeons kiss but she
Will never take a kiss from me.
Must Robin always Nanny woo,
and Nanny still on Robin frown,
Alas! poor wretch! what shall I do,
if Nanny does not love me soon
If no relief to me she'll bring
I'll hang me in her apron-string.