Classic Poem

Thro bushes & briars when I took my way
Down by a chrystal riverside one morning in May
I hear[d] a pretty damsel her voice was so clear
Long time have I been waiting for the coming of my dear

I drew somthing near to a tree that was green
Where the leaves they so shaded me I scarce could be seen
& there I sat & nothing said till my poor heart did move
Long time Id this opinion of poor distressed love

Some says I lost my senses & crazily inclined
But first I go unto my love & tell to her my mind
& when I come unto my love what will my love say then
Her bow knotts will make me all for to love agen

I cannot think the reason that women should love men
Since they are so false hearted they will not love agen
Since they are so false hearted young maidens to trapan
The grave it will wed me if ere I love agen