The Melodist/The Modest Maid

by Anonymous

The Modest Maid.

Abroad as I was walking,
Down by a shady grove,
I heard a young maid talking,
lamenting for her love.
Then I began to court her,
In a rude and rakish way.
I clasp’d my arms around her,
And gave her kisses sweet.
I kindly did salute her,
Till she began to weep.

She weep’d and wail’d, and to me said,
O fie, young man, for shame!
Pray be easy, and do not teaze me,
for you are much to blame.
O do you think I am
Some mistress of delight?
Or do you think I want
For to be ruin’d quite?

O no no young man,
Such things will never do;
I have a lover of good behaviour,
I far prefer to you:
Your riches I do hold in scorn,
Your offer I deny;
Don't think that I can love you,
From me depart straightway.

So pray, young man, be civil,
Away from me depart;
Do you think such ill behaviour
Will ever gain my heart?
The man that I do most admire,
He is both neat and trim;
He is no rover, but a true lover
To me a damsel young.
He’s straight and tail, genteel withal,
Has no deluding tongue:

And If I can’t enjoy
The man that I love best,
I never will be married
As long as I have breath:
I never will married be,
Nor yet be made a wife,
I’ll love my choice, and will rejoice
In a sweet and single life.

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