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(Anonymous. 1682; from Pt. III)
I. A HANDSOME buxom lass lay panting on her bed, | |
| She looked as green as grass, and mournfully she said: | |
| Except I have some lusty lad to ease me of my pain, | |
| I cannot live, I sigh and grieve, | |
| My life I now disdain. | 5 |
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| But if some bonny lad would be so kind to me, | |
| Before I am quite mad, to end my misery, | |
| And cool these burning flames of fire | |
| Which rage in this my breast, | |
| Then I should be from torments free and be forever blest. | 10 |
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| I am both young and fair, yet ’tis my fortune hard, | |
| I’m ready to despair, my pleasures are debarred: | |
| And I, poor soul, cannot enjoy nor taste of lover’s bliss, | |
| Whilst others meet, those joys so sweet, | |
| Oh! what a life is this. | 15 |
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| Were but my passion known, sure some would pity me, | |
| That lie so long alone, for want of company. | |
| Had I some young man in my arms | |
| That would be brisk and brave, | |
| My pains would end, | 20 |
| He’d prove my friend, | |
| And keep me from my grave. | |
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| From this tormenting pain I cannot long endure, | |
| My hopes are all in vain if I expect a cure, | |
| Without some thund’ring lad comes in | 25 |
| And with a courage bold, | |
| Grant me delight, | |
| I’d him requite, | |
| With silver and with gold. | |
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II. A gallant lively lad that in the next room lay, | 30 |
| It made his heart full glad to hear what she did say. | |
| Into the room immediately this youngster he did rush, | |
| Some words he spoke, | |
| Love to provoke, | |
| But she straight cried out, Hush! | 35 |
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| My father he will hear and then we’re both undone, | |
| Quoth he, love do not fear, I’ll venture for a son. | |
| The coverlet he then threw off and jumped into the bed, | |
| And in a trice, | |
| He kissed her twice, | 40 |
| Then to his chamber fled. | |
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| And blushing all alone this damsel sweating lay, | |
| Her troubles they were gone, thus softly did she say: | |
| Had I but known that lover’s bliss | |
| Had been so sweet a taste, | 45 |
| I’d ne’er have stayed, | |
| Nor begged nor prayed, | |
| That so much time did waste. | |
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| This lusty youthful boy, that banished all my pain, | |
| I must his love enjoy ere it be long again. | 50 |
| For gold and silver I’ll not spare | |
| Can that his courage prove, | |
| He has an art, without all smart, | |
| Green sickness to remove. | |
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| A sigh she gave and said, Oh! come again to me, | 55 |
| For I am half afraid I shall not cured be | |
| At this first bout, then prithee try | |
| To help me once again; | |
| Count me not bold, I’ll give thee gold | |
| Enough for all thy pain. | 60 |
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