Ungrateful Nanny (Stirling)/Ungrateful Nanny

by Charles Hamilton (1697-1732)

For other versions of this work, see Ungrateful Nannie (Hamilton).

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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 she
Has 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 say
and all she wish'd was quickly done,
I always think on her but she
Does 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 sheep
I 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 she
Can 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 have
eat up a peck of pease at least.
Her little pigeons kiss, but she
Will 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.