William OF THE Ferry

Oft as on Thames's banks I stray, Where nymphs and swains appear, From all their sports I turn away, If William be not there. The nymphs then laugh, The swains all quaff Their cyder, ale and perry; They nod and wink, While health they drink To William of the ferry.

When on the stream the youths attend, Their manly skill to show, With rival force the oar they bend, And o'er the surface row: But none, I'm sure, E'er ply the oar, Or steer so well the wherry. As he who won The prize alone, Young William of the ferry.

Such bliss to me his smiles impart, Whene'er he talks of love, That now I find my yielding heart Does all his hopes approve: So Hymen's bands Shall join our hands; Then I'll be blithe and merry, And sing thro' life, The happy wife, To William of the ferry.