Jockey to the Fair

'Twas on the morn of sweet May day, When nature painted all things gay, Taught birds to sing, and lambs to play, And gild the meadows rare: Young Jockey early in the dawn, Arose, and tript it o'er the lawn; His Sunday's coat the youth put on, For Jenny had vow'd away to run With Jockey to the fair. Jenny had vow'd, &c.

The chearful parish bells had rung, With eager steps he trudg'd along, With flow'ry garlands round him hung, Which shepherds us'd to wear: He tapt the window—Haste my dear, Jenny impatient, cry'd, who's there? 'Tis I, my love, and no one near; Step gently down, you've nought to sear With Jockey to the fair.

My dad and mammy's fast asleep, My brother's up, and with the sheep; And will you still your promise keep, Which I have heard you swear? And will you ever constant prove? I will by all the powers of love, And ne'er deceive my charming dove: Dispel these doubts, and haste, my love, With Jockey to the fair.

Behold the ring, the shepherd cry'd, Will Jenny be my charming bride? Let cupid be our happy guide, And hymen meet us there. Then Jockey did his vows renew, He wou'd be constant, would be true: His word was pledg'd—away she flew With cowslips, tipt with balmy dew, With Jockey to the fair.

In raptures meet the joyful throng, Their gay companions blithe and young: Each join the dance, each join the song, And hail the happy pair: In turns there's none so fond as they, They bless'd the kind propitious day, The smiling morn of blooming May, When lovely Jenny run away With Jockey to the fair.