The American Songster, Song

From morning till night, and wherever I go, Young Colin pursues me, tho' still I say No, Ye matrons experienc'd inform me, I pray, In a point that's so critical, what shall I say? Ye matrons experienc'd inform me, I pray, In a point that's so critical, what shall I say?

Soft sonnets he makes on my beauty and wit, Such praises a bosom that's tender must hit; He vows that he'll love me for ever and aye; In points that's so critical, what can I say?

He brought me a garland, the sweetest e'er seen, And saluting me, call'd me his heart's little queen: In my breast, like a bird, I found something play, Instruct a young virgin then what she must say.

But vain my petition, you heed not my call, But leave me unguarded to stand or to fall; No more I'll solicit, no longer I'll pray, Let prudence inform me in what I shall say.

When next he approaches, with care in his eye, If he asks me to wed I vow I'll comply, At church he may take me for ever and aye, And I warrant you then I shall know what to say.