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ENGLISH SONG AND BALLAD MUSIC. |
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Soon after he had gain'd my heart, He cruelly did from me part; Another maid he does pursue, And to his vows he bids adieu.
'Tis he that makes my heart lament, He causes all my discontent; He hath caus'd my sad despair, And now occasions this my care.
The lady round the meadow run, And gather'd flowers as they sprung; Of every sort she there did pull, Until she got her apron full.
Now, there's a flower, she did say, Is named heart's-ease; night and day, I wish I could that flower find, For to ease my love-sick mind.
But oh! alas! 'tis all in vain For me to sigh, and to complain; There's nothing that can ease my smart, "For his disdain will break my heart.
The green ground served as a bed, And flow'rs a pillow for her head; She laid her down and nothing spoke, Alas! for love her heart was broke.
But when I found her body cold, I went to her false love, and told. What unto her had just befel; I'm glad, said he, she is so well.
Did she think I so fond could be, That I could fancy none but she ? Man was not made for one alone; I take delight to hear her moan.
Oh ! wicked man I find thou art, Thus to break a lady's heart; In Abraham's bosom may she sleep, While thy wicked soul doth weep!
THE ANSWER.
A second part, I bring you here, Of the fair maid of Oxfordshire, Who lately broke her heart for love Of one, that did inconstant prove.
A youthful squire, most unjust, When he beheld this lass at first, A thousand solemn vows he made, And so her yielding heart betray'd.
She mourning, broke her heart, and died, Feeling the shades on every side;
The third and fourth parts present it is the lady's cruelty which causes the |
With dying groans and grievous cries, As tears were flowing through her eyes.
The beauty which did once appear, On her sweet cheeks, so fair and clear, Was waxed pale,—her life was fled ; He heard, at length, that she was dead.
He was not sorry in the least, But cheerfully resolv'd to feast; And quite forgot her beauty bright, Whom he so basely ruin'd quite.
Now, when, alas! this youthful maid, Within her silent tomb was laid, The squire thought that all was well, He should in peace and quiet dwell.
Soon after this he was possest With various thoughts, that broke his rest; Sometimes he thought her groans he heard, Sometimes her ghastly ghost appear'd
With a sad visage, pale and grim,' And ghastly looks she cast on him; He often started back and cried, Where shall I go myself to hide ?
Here I am haunted, night and day, Sometimes methinks I hear her say, Perfidous man! false and unkind, Henceforth you shall no comfort find.
If through the fields I chance to go, Where she receiv'd her overthrow, Methinks I see her in despair; • And, if at home, I meet her there.
No place is free of torment now; Alas! I broke a solemn vow Which once I made; but now, at last, It does my worldly glory blast.
Since my unkindness did destroy My dearest love and only joy, My wretched life must ended be, Now must I die and come to thee.
His rapier from his side he drew, And pierced his body thro' and thro'; So he dropt down in purple gore Just where she did some time before.
He buried was within the grave Of his true love. And thus you have A sad account of his hard fate, Who died in Oxfordshire of late.
a similar story, in different metro; but first suicide. |
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