Shady grove/The lass of Primrose-hill

THE MAID of PRIMROSE-HILL

'TWAS under Primrose-hill there liv'd,
a sweet and pretty maid,
Not Venus could give more delight,
when you her charms survey'd;
For the lilies fair, and the roses there,
they did combine and both entwine,
To form a beauty rare.

This fair maid many suitors had,
but treated them with scorn,
Till William who could play and dance,
came piping o'er the lawn;
He sung so sweet, was dress'd so neat,
that maidens fair, they did declare,
Their love for William great.

Sweet maid of Primrose-hill, he cry'd,
I come a wooing here,
Then do not you my love reject,
nor treat me too severe;
For my heart so true is fix'd on you,
I'll constant be to only thee,
Thou flower of rosy hue.

The maid she gave her head a toss,
reply'd with scornful air,
I wonder that you can to me,
your fruitless love declare;
For suitors great, in land estate,
have offer'd me their bride to be,
So you do come too late.

Then William hung his head with grief,
and, said, Sweet girl adieu,
I'll quit your charms for wars alarms,
and glory I'll pursue;
For love shall yield to Mars the field,
the fife and drum, invite to come,
I'll poise the spear and shield.

Then with a smile she call'd him back,
and said, Dear William stay,
I did but jest to try your love,
so go not now away;
Then with a kiss he seal'd, his bliss,
she did agree his bride to be,
And nam'd the happy day

Then to the church he went with sweet content,
the bells rang all with joy,
Their hands were join'd in Hymen's bands,
their bliss will never cloy;
For they love all day, at night lay and play,
who'll happy be as he and she,
For their lives are always May.