The Black-bird/O could I answer No?

by Anonymous

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I could not answer No.

Once, twice, thrice, I met young Lubin on the green,
Once, twice, thrice, young Lubin he met me:
  The first time I beheld the lad,
   He made an humble bow;
  I blush’d and hung my silly head,
   And felt, I don’t know how!
  He ask'd my hand with such a grace,
   To dance upon the green,
I thought he was the blithest lad
These eyes had ever seen!
Now, could I answer No?
No, no, oh! no,
I could not answer No.

Once, twice, thrice, I met young Lubin on the green,
Once, twice, thrice, young Lubin he met me;
 And when we met again, he shew’d
  His Cot with woodbine bound:
 He pointed out his flocks and fields,
  Where plenty smil'd around!
 He told me all the joys of life
  Awaited me within!
 I took a peep, and surely thought
  It could not be a sin.
   Now could I answer, &c.

Once, twice, thrice, I met young Lubin on the green,
Once, twice, thrice, young Lubin he met me;
 The third time, when we met again,
  He strove consent to gain,
 To make him happy, was his theme,
  And ease his heart of pain;
 He vow’d his wealth should all be mine,
  If I to Church would go;
 He press’d my hand, and nam’d the day;
  Now, could I answer No?
   I could not answer No.