Classic Poem

Abroad as I was walking,
Down by some green woodside,
I heard some young girl singing
I wish I was a bride.

"I thank you, pretty fair maid,
For singing of your song.
It's I myself shall marry you.'
"Kind sir, I am too young.'

"The younger the better,
More fitter for my bride,
That all the world may plainly see
I married my wife a maid.'

Nine times I kissed her ruby lips,
I viewed her sparkling eye,
I catched her by the lilywhite hand,
One night with her to lie.

All the fore part of that night
How we did sport and play,
And all the latter part of that night
I slept in her arms till day.

Till day, till day, till day,
Till daylight did appear.
The young man rose, put on his clothes,
Said: "Fare you well, my dear.'

"What did you promise me last night
As I lay by your side;
You promised me you would marry me,
Make me your lawful bride.'

"What I did promise you last night
Was in a merry mood.
I vow, I swear, I do declare,
I'm not so very good.'

"Now my parents have bruoght me up
Like a small bird in a cage,
And now I am in child by you,
Not fourteen years of age.

"It's all the farmers' daughters
To the market they do go
But it's I, poor girl, must stay at home
And rock the cradle so.

"Rock the cradle, sing and sew,
Sing hushee lullaby.
Was there ever any poor young girl
So crossed in love as I?'