Popular Music Of The Olden Time Vol 2

Share page



	676	ENGLISH SONG AND BALLAD MUSIC.

	PRETTY POLLY OLIVER. This is the tune of an old ballad, entitled Polly Oliver's Ramble, which is still in print in Seven Dials. It commences thus:— '.' As pretty Polly Oliver lay musing in bed, A comical fancy came into her head; Nor father nor mother shall mate me false prove, I'll 'list for a soldier, and follow my love." The old song on the Pretender, beginning, " As Perkin one morning lay musing in bed, The thought of three kingdoms ran much in his head ;"" appears to be a parody on it. Tho words of the following are by Lord Cantalupe.



	I repair'd to my Reason, entreating her aid, She paus'd on my case, and each circumstance weigh'd ; Then gravely pronounc'd, in return to my pray'r, That Hebe was fairest of all that was fair. That's a truth, replied I, I've no need to be taught, I came for a council to find out a fault; If that's all, quoth Reason, return as you came, To find fault with Hebe would forfeit my name. What hopes then, alas! of relief from my pain, When like lightning she darts through each throbbing vein ; My senses surpris'd, in her favour took arms, And Reason confirms me a slave to her charms.