UNGRATEFUL NANNY.
Did ever swain a nymph adore,
as I ungrateful Nanny did?
Was ever shepherd’s so sore,
or ever broken heart so true ?
My cheeks are swell'd with tears, but she
Has never wet a cheek for me.
If Nanny call'd, did e’er I stay,
or linger when she bid me run;
She only had the word to say,
and all she wish'd was quickly done,
I always think of her, but she
Does ne'er bestow a thought on me.
To let her cows my clover taste
have I not rose by break of day?
Did ever Nan ’s heifers fast,
if Robin in his barn had hay?
Tho' to my fields they welcome were,
I ne'er was welcome yet to her.
If ever Nanny lost a sheep,
I cheerfully did give her two;
And I her lambs did safely keep
within my fold in frost and snow:
Have they not there from cold been free,
But Nanny still is cold to me.
When Nanny to the well did come,
Twas I that did her pitchers fill;
Full as they were I brought them home;
her corn I carried to the mill;
My back did bear the sack, but she
Will never bear a sight of me.
To Nancy's poultry oats I gave.
I'm sure they always had the best;
Within this week her pigeons have
eat up a peck of pease at least.
Her little pigeons kiss but she
Will never take a kiss from me.
Must Robin always Nanny woo,
and Nanny still on Robin frown,
Alas ! poor wretch! what shall I do,
if Nanny does not love me soon?
If no relief to me she’ll bring
I'll hang me in her apron-string.
This work was published before January 1, 1929, and is in the public domain worldwide because the author died at least 100 years ago.
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