DAWNING OF THE DAY
Bodleian Library, Harding B25(480), 18th C. broadside.

As I walked forth one morning fair, It was in summer time,
Each bush and tree was dresst in green, and vallies in their prime;
Returning homeward from a wake, thro' fields I took my way,
And there I met a comely maid by the dawning of the day.

No shoes or stockings, cap or cloak this comely maid did wear.
Her hair like shining silver twist lay on her shoulders bare,
With milking pail all in her hand so nobly(?) and so gay,
She did appear like Venus bright at the dawning of the day.

I said, sweet lovely female where are you going so soon,
I'm going milking, sir, said she, all in the month of June,
The pasture where that I must go, it is far away,
I must be there each morning clear by the dawning of the day.

You've time enough, my dear, said I, suppose it was a mile,
So on this primrose bank so sweet let's sit and talk awhile;
O sir, said she, my hurry will admit of no delay.
Look, all around the morning breaks, it's dawning of the day.

Pray do not be so distant, my own heart's delight,
For I alas am wounded all by your beauty bright;
O sir, forbear, don't banter me this lovely maid did say,
I can't suppose you'll me seduce, by the dawning of the day.

And thus she spoke, my arms I twin'd around her waist,
And sat her on the primrose bank, and there did her embrace;
Leave off your freedom, sir, said she, and let me go away,
The time is come, I can't delay, it's dawning of the day.

But when this lovely maiden came to herself again,
With heavy sighs, downcast eyes, she sorely did complain;
Young man, said she, I am afraid that you did me betray,
My virgin bloom you got full soon by dawning of the day.

I kiss'd my love at parting, then crossed o'er the plain,
In the course of seven months after I met her there again;
She seem'd rather dropsical as she walked o'er the hay,
And carelessly I pass'd her by at the noon time of the day.

The tears ran down her rosy cheeks and bitterly she cri'd.
Young man, said she, I think it's time that I was made your bride,
I pray make good the damage done as you before did say,
And don't forget the time we met at the dawning of the day.

I said, fair lovely damsel, I hope you'll me excuse,
To join with you in wedlock's bands indeed I must refuse;
For I've been lately married to a Girl near Bantry Bay,
With her I got *100l by the dawning of the day.

This sudden blunt refusal with her did not agree,
She said, you'll gain no credit, sir, by thus deluding me;
Now I may be a warning to other Maidens gay,
Never to leave their father's house by the dawning of the day.

* 100 pounds (?)