Sons of the Tyne's garland/The Maiden's Courtſhip

The Maiden's Courtſhip.

YOung Johnny came to pretty Nancy by Night
He called her his Jewel his joy and Delight,
You promis'd me Marriage this ſix Months ago
Young Man will you ſtand to your Promiſe or no.

If I promiſed you Marriage it was a Miſtake,
For I am reſolved a wife not to take.
For Women are oftentimes given to ſcold,
They'll make a man wither'd before he grows old.

She ſays my dear Johnny all are not alike,
And if you be willing this bargain to ſtrike,
I'll be as kind, Love, as Woman can be
And do my Endeavours to labour with thee.

And if my dear Johnny ſhould meet with a Friend,
And to the Alehouſe one Sixpence to ſpend
I'll never come nigh thee as I am here,
Nor never controul what ſays thou my dear.

I've got neither Breeches or Coat for to wear,
Beſides Wife and Children it is all my fear;
Therefore this folly I'd have you refrain,
For I am not able a Charge to maintain.

She ſaid my dear Johnny I've got a fine thing,
With forty good Shillings beſides a gold Ring;
And if you'll be willing this Match to promote,
I'll make thee a pair of Breeches of my old Peticoat.

He ſaid my dear Nancy ſince you ſay ſo,
I pray thee my dear to Church let us go;
O then to the Church they both did repair,
In joy peace and plenty they live as we hear.