THE COUNTRY GIRL.

____

OH, dear! what fine thinkings beset me,

Since the young farmer yesterday met me,

To tell me for truth he would get me

Some service more fitting in town:

For he said ’twas a shame, and he swore too,

That I should be serv’d so and more too,

And that he was vex’d o’er and o’er too,

To see me so sadly run down.

When to thank him, for curtsey’ng I dropp’d me,

He said ’twas all foolish, and stopp’d me; 10

And into his arms, oh! he popp’d me,

₁₆₃ And crumpled my bonnet awry:

₁₆₄^{………………………………………………………………..…………}

The tray sav’d the fall, till he mov’d it,

And this way and that way he shov’d it;

Good behaviour, he said, how he lov’d it,

When maids were not foolish and shy.

Oh dear! what fine thinkings beset me,

Since the young farmer promis’d, and met me,

Of what he would do and would get me,

How my heart pittipatters about: 20

Though fear—none but fools make a trade on—

He swore when he saw what I play’d on,

“My word is my bond, pretty maiden!”

Then why need I harbour a doubt?

Though the tale-clacking grass’s foul staining

In my holiday clothes is remaining,

I ne’er shall go make a complaining,

₁₆₄ I’ve promise of better in town:

₁₆₅^{…………………………………………………………………….…….}

So Chub needn’t come again croaking,

To maul one about, so provoking, 30

I know what is what, without joking,

There’s nought got by pleasing a clown.