Once I lov'd a maiden fair,
But she did deceive me;
She with Venus might compare,
In my mind, believe me:
She was young, and among
All our maids the sweetest.
Now I say, ah! well-a-day!
Brightest hopes are fleetest.
I the wedding ring had got,
Wedding clothes provided,
Sure the church would bind a knot
Ne'er to be divided:
Married we straight must be,
She her vows had plighted;
Vows, alas! as frail as glass:
All my hopes are blighted.
Maidens wav'ring and untrue,
Many a heart have broken;
Sweetest lips the world e'er knew,
Falsest words have spoken.
Fare thee well, faithless girl,
I'll not sorrow for thee;
Once I held thee dear as pearl,
Now I do abhor thee.
Temp. Jas. I. (condensed by T. Oxenford).