A Trip to Gretna Green

'Twas in the flow'ry month of May, When Nature blooms on ev'ry spray, And lambkins fondly sport and play, To grace the sylvan scene; That pretty miss first form'd the plan, To leave papa and chiding mam; In chaise and four with dear footman, To trip to Gretna Green.

The youth was form'd with ev'ry grace, Tall, blooming, gay, with lovely face, Sure ne'er before in worsted lace, Was such a charmer seen; The night serene, the coast was clear, When pretty Miss with loving dear, Set off with haste, and full career, To trip to Gretna Green.

The morning come, and plot is blown, The cage is open and bird is flown, But whither, is by no one known, Lud, what a curious scene! Mamma in fits, while ancient prig In fury tears his powder'd wig, And with grim passion monstrous big, Sets off for Gretna Green.

Before old square-toes reaches near, He meets the beau and lovely dear, Returning back in full career, Fro Hymen's flow'ry scene; Stop thief, he cries; the work is done, My dear papa, we are coming home, For we have tasted joys that come, From pleasant Gretna Green.