T. R. Smith, comp. Poetica Erotica: Rare and Curious Amatory Verse. 1921–22.
John and Nell
Anonymous(A Broadside Song with music, c. 1720) |
AS Nell sate underneath her Cow | |
| Upon a Cock of Hay, | |
| Brisk John was coming from his Plough, | |
| And chanced to pass that way. | |
| Like Lightning to the Maid he flew, | 5 |
| And by the hand he squeezed her, | |
| Pray John, she cried, be quiet, Do, | |
| And frowned because he teased her. | |
| Cupid from his Mother’s knee, | |
| Observed her female Pride. | 10 |
| Go on and prosper John (says he), | |
| And I will be your Guide, | |
| Then aimed at Nelly’s breast a dart, | |
| From Pride it soon released her, | |
| She faintly cried, I feel love’s smart, | 15 |
| And sighed because it eased her. | |
| John laid himself down by her side, | |
| And stole a kiss or two, | |
| And Flatt’ry’s Charm he also tried, | |
| ’Till she the kinder grew, | 20 |
| The Poison soon began to spread, | |
| And in the Nick he seized her, | |
| She trembled, blushed, and hung her head, | |
| Then smiled—because he pleased her. | |