Ballad. "When Nature's Beauty Shone Complete."

When nature's beauty shone complete. With summer's lovely weather, And even, shadowing day's retreat, Brought swains and maids together; Then I did meet a charming face, But who--I'll be discreet: Though lords themselves without disgrace Might love whom I did meet. "Good evening, lovely lass," said I, To make her silence break; The instant evening's blushing sky Was rival'd in her cheek; Her eyes were turn'd upon the ground, She made me no reply, But downward looks my bosom found: "You've won me," whisper'd I. And I did try all love could do, And she try'd all to fly, Now lingering slow to let me go, Then hurrying to pass by: "My love," said I, "you've me mistook, No harm from me you'll meet;" She only answer'd with a look, But it was 'witching sweet. I own'd my love, and prais'd her eyes, Whose power she little knew; And doubtless then she fancied lies, What since she's proved true; Confusion mingling fear and shame, Between the "Yes" and "No," O when I mention'd love's soft name How sweet her cheeks did glow! I told her all the open truth, 'Bout being a labouring swain, With not one groat to boast, forsooth, But what hard work did gain: And begg'd excuse in such-like clothes Within her way to fall; Wenches are ta'en with flashy beaus-- But she excus'd it all. As near the humble cot we came, Her fears did meet alarm Lest friends imprudent ways should blame, And think I meant her harm: So there I prest her to my heart, And there a kiss was ta'en, And there I vow'd, ere we did part, To meet her soon again.