Old Ballads Part 2

But name the day, the wedding day, And I will buy the ring; The lads and maids in favours white And village bells shall ring.

The spring is waning fast, my love, The corn is in the ear, The summer nights are coming, love, The moon shines bright and clear.

Then, pretty Jane, my dearest Jane!

Ah! never look so shy, But meet me in the evening, While the bloom is on the rye.

_Edward Fitzball_.

ROCKED IN THE CRADLE OF THE DEEP.

Rock'd in the cradle of the deep, I lay me down in peace to sleep; Secure, I rest upon the wave, For Thou, O Lord, hast pow'r to save.

I know Thou wilt not slight my call, For Thou dost note the sparrow's fall, And calm and peaceful is my sleep, Rock'd in the cradle of the deep.

And such the trust that still were mine, Tho' stormy winds swept o'er the brine; Or though the tempest's fiery breath Rous'd me from sleep to wreck and death!

In ocean cave still safe with Thee, The germ of immortality; And calm and peaceful is my sleep, Rock'd in the cradle of the deep.

_Mrs. Willard._

THE MINSTREL BOY.

The Minstrel boy to the war is gone, In the ranks of death you'll find him; His father's sword he has girded on, And his wild harp slung behind him.-- "Land of song!" said the warrior-bard, "Though all the world betrays thee, _One_ sword, at least, thy rights shall guard, _One_ faithful harp shall praise thee!"

The Minstrel fell!--but the foeman's chain Could not bring his proud soul under; The harp he loved ne'er spoke again, For he tore its cords asunder; And said, "No chains shall sully thee, Thou soul of love and bravery!

Thy songs were made for the brave and free, They shall never sound in slavery!"

_Thomas Moore_.

ON THE BANKS OF ALLAN WATER.

On the banks of Allan Water, When the sweet Springtime did fall, Was the miller's lovely daughter, The fairest of them all.

For his bride a soldier sought her, And a winning tongue had he: On the banks of Allan Water, None so gay as she.

On the banks of Allan Water, When brown Autumn spreads its store, Then I saw the miller's daughter, But she smiled no more; For the Summer grief had brought her, And the soldier false was he; On the banks of Allan Water, None so sad as she.

On the banks of Allan Water, When the Winter snow fell fast, Still was seen the miller's daughter, Chilling blew the blast.

But the miller's lovely daughter, Both from cold and care was free: On the banks of Allan Water, There a corpse lay she.

_M.G. Lewis._

AULD LANG SYNE.

Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And never brought to min'?

Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And days o' auld lang syne?

CHORUS.

For auld lang syne, my dear, For auld lang syne, We'll tak' a cup' o' kindness yet, For auld lang syne.

We twa hae run about the braes, And pu'd the gowans fine; But we've wandered mony a weary foot Sin auld lang syne.

For auld, etc.

We twa hae paidl't i' the burn, From mornin' sun till dine; But seas between us braid hae roar'd Sin auld lang syne.

For auld, etc.

And here's a hand, my trusty frien', And gie's a hand o' thine; And we'll tak a right guid-willie waught, For auld lang syne.

For auld, etc.

And surely ye'll be your pint-stoup, And surely I'll be mine; And we'll tak a cup o' kindness yet For auld lang syne.

For auld, etc.

_Burns._

WITHIN A MILE OF EDINBURGH TOWN.

'Twas within a mile of Edinburgh town, In the rosy time of the year; Sweet flowers bloom'd, and the gra.s.s was down, And each shepherd woo'd his dear.

Bonnie Jocky, blythe and gay, Kiss'd sweet Jenny making hay: The la.s.sie blush'd, and frowning cried, "No, no, it will not do; I canna, canna, wonna, wonna, manna buckle to."

Jocky was a wag that never would wed, Though long he had follow'd the la.s.s: Contented she earn'd and eat her brown bread, And merrily turn'd up the gra.s.s.

Bonnie Jocky, blythe and free, Won her heart right merrily: Yet still she blush'd, and frowning cried, "No, no, it will not do; I canna, canna, wonna, wonna, manna buckle to."

But when he vow'd he would make her his bride, Though his flocks and herds were not few, She gave him her hand, and a kiss beside, And vow'd she'd for ever be true.

Bonnie Jocky, blythe and free, Won her heart right merrily: At church she no more frowning cried, "No, no, it will not do; I canna, canna, wonna, wonna, manna buckle to."

_Anon._

THE NIGHT-PIECE TO JULIA.

Her eyes the glow-worm lend thee, The shooting stars attend thee; And the elves also, Whose little eyes glow, Like the sparks of fire, befriend thee.