With Jockey to the Fair

Twas on the morn of sweet May-day, When nature painted all things gay— Taught birds to sing and lambs to play And deck’d the meadows fair— Young Jockey early in the morn Arose and tripped it o’er the lawn. His Sunday coat the youth put on; For Jenny had vowed away to run With Jockey to the fair.

The cheerful parish bells had rung. With eager steps he trudg’d along; Sweet flowing garlands round him hung, Which shepherds us’d to wear. He tapp’d the window. “Hush, my dear!” Jenny, impatient, cried, “Who’s there?” “’Tis I, my love, and no one near. Step gently down, you’ve naught to fear With Jockey to the fair.”

“My dad and mammy ’re fast asleep. My brother up and with the sheep. And will you still your promise keep, Which I have heard you swear? And will you ever constant prove?” “I will, by all the pow’rs above! And ne’er deceive my charming dove. Dispel those doubts, and haste, my love, With Jockey to the fair.”

“Behold the ring!” the shepherd cried. “Will Jenny be my charming bride? Let Cupid be our happy guide, And Hymen meet us there.” Then Jockey did his vows renew— He would be constant, would be true. His word was pledged, away she flew, With cowslips sparkling with the dew, With Jockey to the fair.

Soon did they meet a joyful throng. Their gay companions, blithe and young, Each joins the dance, each joins the song To hail the happy pair. What two were e’er so fond as they? All bless the kind propitious day— The smiling morn, the blooming May, When lovely Jenny ran away With Jockey to the fair.