The Call To London

OH! come to London, young lad, Lots is to be seen! But he said: “I cannot come, maid, Till the cuckoos all be dumb, maid, On the hills of green.”

Oh! come to London, brave lad, Come and leave the plough. But he said: “The blackthorn’s springing, And a mottled thrush is singing In the cherry bough.”

Oh! come to London, fine lad, Here’s where money flows. But he said: “There’s gold in plenty, Gold enough and more for twenty, Where the kingcup grows.”

Oh! come to London, strong lad, I am wanting you. But he said: “It be a grand sight, When the stars at midnight Stretch along the blue.”

Oh! come to London, dear lad, I am fair to see! But he said: “Along of our way Trees are thick with white may, Wonderful they be!”