Kate OF Colebrook Dale

When gentle love first fir'd my breast, I rov'd from fair to fair; No shepherd swain was then so blest, Or so unknown to care. O'er heath, o'er hill I travers'd wide, And sought each verdant dale; Yet still the lass of all my pride Was kate of Colebrook dale.

How happy, sure, were then my days! Such tranquil joys I knew; Where'er I went, I spoke her praise, I found her just and true; For oft, in yonder shady grove, I told my ardent tale, And whisper'd themes of softest love To Kate of Colebrook Dale.

But ah! how fleeting was my bliss! For I'd no wealth in store, Her parents thought our love amiss: We part, to meet no more. But hope shall clear my tortur'd mind; For what will tears avail, Though thou wert faithful, fair and kind, Dear Kate of Colebrook Dale?