Classic Poem

1

O'er the emerald meads I wandered
In the sunny afternoon
Where the rivers flood meandered
And the John-go-to-bed at noon
Shut up among the grass
As the eve was comeing nigh
There I saw a bonny lass
Wi' kindness in her eye

2

I' gown o' buff and spencer black
The maid was neatly dresst
And sweetly went the summer rack
Soft over heavens breast
She went along the meadow grass
Like beauty in a dream
And lightly stepped the happy lass
And gently flowed the stream.

3

I saw her in my memories eye
An half an hour or more
Yet never saw a tree or sky
Look half so sweet before
The rustling flags and water-birds
And pleasant looking weather
Like pleasant thoughts and wispering words
When lovers talk together.

4

They talked to me while standing there
And laughed and giggled too
And warmly gleamed the summer air
The sky was bright and blue
How sweet she o'er the meadow went
Like pleasures i' the mind
And scarcely bowed that horney bent
And scarcely stirred the wind.

5

But in my heart and in my breast
A burning spirit came
Her abscence leaves a wild unrest
Just like a sco[r]ching flame
That burns the aching breast
She passt and cometh not again
Who went the meadow way
My brightest fancy looks in vain
E'er since that pleasant day.

6

In gown o' buff she passed me bye
Along the meadow way
And lovely was the autumn sky
And pleasant was the day
But never can my eye forget
The maids buff coloured gown
The church tower in the trees is set
And that points to the town.