T. R. Smith, comp. Poetica Erotica: Rare and Curious Amatory Verse. 1921–22.
The Willing Maid, a Day Too Young
Anonymous(From A Choice Garland, c. 1790) AS I was walking one May Morning, | |
| I leaned my back up to a tree, | |
| There I was aware of a pretty young maid, | |
| Come tripping over the lee to me. fal, fal. | |
| She was as fair to look upon, | 5 |
| As any pretty maid under the sun, | |
| I asked her then how she was, | |
| But she smiled and said I’m a day too young. | |
| I am too young to be your bride, | |
| I am too young to lie by your side, | 10 |
| It will bring disgrace to all my kin, | |
| Therefore my love you ne’er shall win. | |
| He clasped her round the middle so small, | |
| And gently laid her on the ground, | |
| It was once or twice he served her so, | 15 |
| And he found she was not a day too young. | |
| Now, kind sir, you have had your will | |
| And robbed me of my virginity, | |
| O pray young man come tell to me, | |
| When our wedding day must be. | 20 |
| My wedding day does not trouble me, | |
| I ne’er intend to marry thee, | |
| Of all the pastime we have had, | |
| You have had your share as well as me. | |
| As you have brewed so you must bake, | 25 |
| And draw your ale when it is new, | |
| Go carry your baby home to your mam, | |
| And tell her you were not a day too young. | |
| I wish to God my babe was born, | |
| And smiling on his daddy’s knee, | 30 |
| And I myself laid in my grave, | |
| And the green grass growing over me. | |