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SONGSTER. 181
George Reily.
On a bright summer's morning, the weather being fair,
I stroll'd for a season, down by the river clear.
Where L overheard a damsel most grievously complain.
All for her absent lover, that ploughs the distant main.
I being unperreived, did unto her draw near.
Where,I lay down in ambush, the better for to hear
With doleful lamentations, and melancholy cries.
Whilst sparkling tears like crystal, were streaming
from her eyes.
Crying, oh! cruel fortune to me has proved unkind.
As my true love has left me, no comfort can I find.
As she was thus lamenting, and grieving for her dear,
I saw a gallant sailor, he unto her drew near.
With eloquence most complaisant, he did address
the fair, [here ?
Saying, sweet and lovely fair one, why do you mourn
All for an absent lover, the fair one did reply.
Which causes me to wander, for to lament and cry.
Its three long years and better, his absence I have
mourn'd,
Ahd though the war is ended, he is not yet return'd.
Why should you grieve for him alone, this sailor he
did say.
Perhaps his mind is altered, or changed some other
way.
If you will but forget him, and fix your mind on me,
TiU death doth demand me, to you I'll faithful be.
To which this fair maiden answered, sir, th^l never
can be,
I never can admire any other but he.