Molly OF THE Mead

As on yon village lawn I stray'd, One morning in the spring, Around the lambs all sportive play'd, The birds did blithesome sing: Upon a bank where willows grew, I tun'd my oaten reed. How much I'm chang'd since first I knew Sweet Molly of the mead! Sweet Molly, &c.

No shepherd was so blithe as I, No youth was e'er so blest; In rapture sweet the time did fly. For love then warm'd my breast: To please her was my sole employd, To her I tun'd my reed, And morn and eve my only joy Was Molly of the mead. Sweet Molly. &c.

Soon as the fun resplendent rose, One morn I took my way, And eager sought some flagrant flow'r, To make her look more gay: Right well she saw my tender pain, And soon my fate decreed: And now I live the happiest swain, With Molly of the mead. Sweet Molly, &c.