His honey breath and lips so oft, And tempting tongue hath woo'd me oft, Now forces me to cry, He joy'd me with his pretty chat, I was so greatly taken with his speech, He used all the words could be To enchant me with his speaking. In Danby forest I was born, Till my belly began to swell: When once I felt my belly swell, And bang'd me back and side: Then did I range the world so wide, Who would have thought a boy so young, As to allure her with his tongue, I often since have wisht that I Had I escap'd the shepherd boy Helpt me to fold my ewes. SECOND PART. All maidens fair then have a care, Trust not to young men's tempting tongues, That will deceive you so; Them you shall find to be unkind, And glory in your woes; For the shepherd's boy beguiled me, All maids, &c. If you your virgin honors keep, You need not then to wail and weep, As I have said of them beware, You then may sing with merry cheer, A young man hearing her complaint, Saying to her, sweet beauteous saint, Should sorrow so, then sweeting know I'll go with thee to the north country, Leander like I will remain, Still constant to thee ever, As Pyramus or Troilus Till death our lives shall sever; Let me be hated evermore Of all men that me know, Then modestly she did reply, Of you to find a husband kind, And for to marry me; Continue constant still, And be a true obedient wife, Observing of your will. With O the broom, the bonny broom, The broom of Cowden Knowes, Fain would I be in the north country, Milking my daddy's ewes. Thus with a gentle soft embrace, He took her in his arms, And with a kiss he smiling said, I'll shield thee from all harms, And instantly will marry thee, And go with thee to the north country, With O the broom, the bonny broom, XIX. "THE FICKLE NORTHERN LASS, OR, The Wronged Shepherd's Resolution." From a black letter copy printed by F. Coles, Vere, Wright, and Clarke. THERE was a lass in the north country, And she had lovers two or three ; But she unkindly dealt by one Who had to her great favour shown, |