Classic Poem

My grandam says to me:
" Judith, which would you rather be,
Light o' love in a lad's heart,
Or true woman, playing her part? "

I said, wild with young desire,
" I will not be a sit-by-the-fire,
No free bird houses him, lark or snipe,
But you sit chimney-side with a pipe. "

I flung my hair back,
And, with head high,
Danced forth out the door,
Lest I should cry.

Well I feared the lad I loved
Loved a blonde lass true,
And what against pale gold
Can a black head do?

She is soft and blue-eyed,
And I, dark and wild,
She's the town's precious thing,
And I, its foundling child.

I know not what blood's in me,
I have strange fates,
All the lads follow me
Before they find their mates....

I came back to grandam
And sobbed in her lap,
It was too late then
To wish away mishap.

My grandam says to me,
" Judith, which would you rather be
Light o' love in a lad's heart
Or true woman, playing her part? "