No Indeed, Not I

When May-day buds on fields were seen And flowerts deck'd the ground, When my last birth day, told eighteen, And time came smiling round.

Young Jockey met me here and there, With a kiss, and song, and smile; At mill or meadow, wake and fair, And at the milking stile.

By chance as 'twere at night or noon, To find him, I would try, Yet, if he ask'd the smallest boon, 'Twas, "no indeed, not I!"

Poor Jockey vexed to be so teaz'd, Resolv'd my love to prove, No more the struggling kiss he seiz'd: Nor sought me in the grove.

He toy'd with Jenny of the green, He gave her kisses three: By Bridget of the brook, 'twas seen, Twas Bridget told it me.

They sleer'd and call'd me fusty maid, Who now alone might lie, I pettish flounc'd away and said, Pshaw, "No indeed, not I."

At length, he ask'd of me to wed, With many a tender bow, I smil'd, I simper'd, hung my head, And look'd I can't tell how.

I wish'd and fear'd, I can't tell what; I blush'd, he beg'd and sigh'd: Then whispering said, you'll surely not Refuse to be my bride.

Lord bless me! how could I refrain, 'Twere sinful too to lie; So, when he ask'd me that again, 'Twas no indeed, not I.