Page:Fortunate lover, or, The old man outwitted.pdf/6



( 6 ) He gave him a bond, having taken the ſame,

Away to the bride with the writing he came,

And told her the ſtory of what he had done,

It made the whole family laugh at the fun.

Next morning he dreſs'd himſelf in his beſt clothes,

With his charming bride like a beatiful roſe,

A walk to their father's houſe ftraight they did take,

And happ'ned to meet him juſt entering the gate.

They fell on their knees and his bleſſing did crave,

The which he preſently unto them gave,

Then kiſſing his daughter, he turn'd to his ſon,

Saying, John you have funn'd me as ſure as gun.

They up from their knees, and told him the truth,

He ſaid, as you're both in the bloom of your youth,

I give you my bleſſing, and for your policy,

Two thouſand good pounds you ſhall have when I die.

You lovers of England whoever you be,

That road theſe few verſes take council of me,

Don't matter love's croſſes tho' thick they fall,

One night's lodging will make amends for all.

The LADS of the VILLAGE hile the lads of the village ſhall merrily, ah!

Sound the tabor, I'll hand thee along,

And ſay unto thee, that verily, ah!

thou and I will be firſt in the throng.

While &c.

Juſt then when the ſwain who laſt year won the dower,

with his mates ſhall the ſport have begun;

Then the gay voice of gladneſs reſounds from each bower,

and thou long'ſt in thine heart to make one.

Thoſe joys that are harmleſs, what mortal can blame

'tis my maxim that youth ſhould be free,

And to prove that my words & my deeds are the ſame,

believe me, you'll preſently ſee. While the lads, &c.