PRIMROSE HILL

 Words: English, 18c, in Stephen Jenks, The Jovial Songster (1806)
 Tune: English, 18c, see PRIMROSE HILL (Sacred Harp, p.43)

 On Primrose Hill there dwelt a lass,
  A sweet and lovely maid;
 Not Venus could give more delight,
  When you her charms survey'd:
     For the rose is dear,
     and the lillies fair,
 They both combine and do incline
  To form her beauties rare.

 This fair maid many suitors had,
  And treated them with scorn;
 Until at length young William Gray
  Came tripping o'er the lawn:
     He was dress'd so neat,
     and he sung so sweet,
 The maidens fair, they did declare
  Their love to William Gray.
 
 Fair maid of Primrose Hill, he cry'd,
  I'm come a wooing here;
 So do not treat me with disdain,
  Nor use me too severe--
     For my love 'tis true,
     and it's fix'd on you,
 Constant I'll be to only thee,
  Thou flow'r of ev'ry few.

 This fair maid gave her head a toss,
  Return'd a scornful air--
 I wonder that you will to me
  Your fruitless love declare.
     There has nobles great,
     both of land and state,
 Have offer'd me, their bride to be;
  So you have come too late.

 Then with a sigh he took his leave,
  He said, proud girl, adieu!
 I'll quit your charms, for war's alarms,
  And glory I'll pursue.
     For love must yield
     to the martial field;
 The fife and drum invites to come,
  We'll march with sword and shield.

 Then with a smile she call'd him back;
  She said dear William, stay;
 I did it but to try your love;
  So don't you go away.
     For there's none so dear,
     nor yet so fair;
 She did agree his bride to be,
  And married thus they were.

 Then to the church they did repair,
  And tripped with speed away;
 And join'd their hands with Hymen's bands,
  And hail'd the happy day.
     Now they love each day,
     and they're always gay;
 Now who so happy e'er can be,
  So happy always they.