Ungrateful Nanny (Stirling)/Ungrateful Nanny
For other versions of this work, see Ungrateful Nannie (Hamilton).
UNGRATEFUL NANNY.
Did ever a swain a nymph adore,as I ungrateful Nanny did?Was ever shepherd's heart so sore,or ever broken heart so true?My cheeks are swell'd with tears but sheHas never wet a cheek for me.
If Nanny call’d, did e'er I stay,or linger when she bid me run?She only had the word to sayand all she wish'd was quickly done,I always think on her but sheDoes ne’er bestow a thought on me
To let her cows my clover taste,have I got rose by break of day?Did ever Nanny’s heifers fast,if Robin in his barn had hay?Tho' to my fields they welcome were,I ne'er was welcome yet to her.
If ever Nanny lost a sheepI cheerfully did give her tow; And I her lambs did safely keep,within my fold in frost and snow:Have they not there from cold been free?But Nanny still is cold to me.
When Nanny to the well did come,’twas I that did her pitchers fill;Full as they were I brought them home;her corn I carried to the mill;My back did bear the sack, but sheCan never bear a sight of me.
To Nanny’s poultry oats I gave,I’m sure they always had the best;Within this week her pigeons haveeat up a peck of pease at least.Her little pigeons kiss, but sheWill never take a kiss from me.
Must Robin always Nanny woo,and Nanny still on Robin frown,Alas! poor wretch! what shall I do,if Nanny does not love me soon!If no relief to me she’ll bring,I’ll hang me in her apron string.