Young Colin protests I'm his joy and…

Young Colin protests I'm his joy and delight; He's never unhappy when I'm in his sight; He wants to be with me wherever I go; The deuce sure is in him for plaguing me so, The deuce sure is in him for plaguing me so.

His pleasure all day is to sit by my side; He pipes and he sings, tho' I frown and I chide: I bid him depart; but he, smiling, says, No; The deuce sure is in him for plaguing me so, The deuce, &c.

He often requests me his flame to relieve; I ask him, what favour he hopes to receive? His answer's a sigh, while in blushes I glow: What mortal beside him would plague a maid so? What mortal, &c.

This breast-knot he yesterday brought from the wake, And softly entreated I'd wear for his sake: Such trifles 'tis easy enough to bestow; I sure deserve more for his plaguing me so, I sure, &c.

He hands me each eve from the cot to the plain, And meets me each morn to conduct me again; But what's his intention I wish I could know, For I'd rather be marry'd than plagu'd with him so, For I'd rather be marry'd than plagu'd with him so.