Some sings of sweet Molly, some sings of sweet Nelly; And some calls young Susan the cause of their pain; Some love to be jolly, and some melancholy, And some love to sing of the Humours of Glen: But my chiefest fancy is my dearest Nancy, In venting my passion I’ll strive to be plain: For I ask no more treasure, I'll seek no more pleasure But thou, my dear Nancy, if ye were my ain.
For her beauty delights me, her kindness invites me! Her matchless behaviour is free from all stain! Her carriage is comely, her language is homely; Her dress is all dainty, take it in the main: Therefore, my dear jewel, do not prove so cruel; Consent, my dear Nancy, and come be my ain.
The whole of her face, is, with blooming grace, Array'd like the gowans that grows in the glen: For her yellow locks shining, and beauty combining; My charming young Nancy if ye were my ain! She's well shaped and slender, true hearted and tender: My charming young Nancy if ye were my ain!
For I'll daut her with kisses, and lovely embraces; I'll sing her sweet songs with the strength of my brain; Believe me, my deary, I'll still hold thee cheary, My charming young Nancy if ye were my ain. For I’ll search all the nation for a habitation. To guard thee, my deary, from cold snow, and rain: Then you shall not sit single, but by a good ingle. My charming young Nancy, if ye were my ain!
For I’ll work at my calling, to furnish a dwelling With every thing needful, thy life to sustain: Therefore, my dear jewel, do not prove cruel; Consent, my dear Nancy, and come be my ain.
I will have a garden, my charming young maiden, For fresh recreation, to fright away pain; To walk in when weary, to comfort my deary, My charming young Nancy, if ye were my ain. I would make true affection the only direction For loving my Nancy, while life doth remain.
Altho' youth be wasting, affection is lasting My charming young Nancy if ye were my ain. But what if my Nancy should alter her fancy, And favour another, for honour and gain? would not compel her, but plainly would tell her, Begone you false Nancy, ye'r ne’er be my ain.
