THE GOWN OF GREEN.
Some people speak of Hector’s deeds,
and Alexander’s fame,
Some of proud Nero’s tyrannies,
but no such thing we’d name;
But listen and I will declare,
as briefly as I can,
The only fashion now in vogue,
is call’d the gown of green.
Young women they are fickle things,
when they begin to woo
The more you follow after them,
the more they fly from you:
But turn your backs upon them, boys,
and do not them pursue
Give them the gown of green to wear,
and then they’ll follow you.
Some men to please their mistresses,
will buy them ruffles and rings,
Some jewels and fine ornaments,
and other costly things;
But he that would her favour gain,
must use his best endeavour,
To give her a gown of green to wear,
and she’ll be yours for ever.
My love she’s tall and handsome,
she’s comely in her dress,
She thinks herself a comely girl,
indeed I think no less;
Her rosy cheeks and dimpled chin,
her age is just sixteen.
Yet struggling did at last consent,
to take the gown of green
My true love and I was walking,
a little bit out of town.
We spy’d a bank of fragrant flowers,
were gently pressed down;
She smiling unto me did say,
some body here has been,
Or else some gentle shepherdess,
getting a gown of green
When Adam first created was,
none in the world but he,
Our mother Eve she was his bride,
and full of modesty;
No beds of down for them was made,
but just a flow’ry plain,
No wonder then her daughters love
to take the gown of green.
This gown of green if is so rare,
tis never out of fashion
tis worn by Lords and Gentlemen,
and Ladies of high station;
For e’er since Adam was a boy,
this thing has ever been,
’Tis worn by every nation, boys,
and call’d the gown of green.
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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