BALLAD. (There was a jolly shepherd lad)

There was a jolly shepherd lad, And Colin was his name, And, all unknown to her old dad, He sometimes to see Peggy came. The object of his flame.

One day, of his absence too secure, Her father thunder'd at the door, When, fearing of his frown, Says she, dear love, the chimney climb; I can't, cries he, there is not time, Besides I should tumble down.

What could they do, ta'en unawares? They thought, and thought again; In closets underneath the stairs, To hide himself, 'twere all in vain, He'd soon be found 'twere plain:

Get up the chimney, love, you must, Cried she, or else the door he'll burst, I would not for a crown; Young Colin seeing but this shift, E'en mounted up, Peg lent a lift, And cry'd don't tumble down.

With throbbing heart, now to the door, Poor Peggy runs in haste; Thinking to trick her father sure, But haste, the proverb says, makes waste, Which proverb here's well-plac'd;

Her father scolded her his best, Call'd names, and said, among the rest, Pray have you seen that clown? She scarce had time to answer, no, When, black all over as a crow, Young Colin tumbled down.