SONG 24. Quaker

While the lads of the village shall merrily, ah! Sound the tabors, I'll hand thee along; And I say unto thee, that verily, ah! Thou and I will be first in the throng. While the lads, &c.

Just then, when the swain who last year won the dow'r, With his mates shall the sports have begun, When the gay voice of gladness resounds from each bow'r, And thou long'st in thy heart to make one. While the lads, &c. Those joys which are harmless, what mortal can blame; 'Tis my maxim, that youth should be free? And to prove that my words and my deeds are the same, Believe me, thou'lt presently see. While the lads, &c.