THE CHARMS of MELODY, SONG 82

Well met, pretty nymph, says a jolly young swain, To a lovely young shepherdess crossing the plain; I Why so much in hast? (now the month it was May) Shall I venture to ask you, fair maiden, which way? Then straight to this question the nymph did reply, With a smile in her look, and a leer in her eye, I came from the village, and homeward I go; And now, gentle shepherd, pray why would you know?

I hope, pretty maid, you won't take it amiss, If I tell you the reason of asking you this; I would see you safe home (the swain was in love) Of such a companion if you would approve. Your offer, kind shepherd, is civil, I own, But I see no great danger in going alone; Nor yet can I hinder, the road being free For one as another, for you as for me.

No danger in going alone, it is true, But yet a companion is pleasanter too; And if you would like (now the swain he took heart) Such a sweetheart as me, we never would part. Oh! that's, a long word, said the shepherdess then; I've often heard say, there's no minding you men; You'll say and unsay, and you'll flatter, 'tis true; Then leave a young maiden the first thing you do.

Oh! judge not so harshly, the shepherd reply'd; To prove what I say, I will make you my bride; To morrow the parson (well said, little swain) Shall join both our hands, and make one, of us twain. Then what the nymph answer'd to this is not said; The very next morn to be sure they were wed: Sing hey diddle, ho diddle, hey diddle down; Now when shall we see such a wedding in town?