Nanny of the Tyne

Whilst bards, in strains that sweetly flow,
Extol each nymph so fair,
Be mine my Nanny's worth to shew,
Her captivating air.
What swain can gaze without deligh
On beauty there so fine?
The Graces all their charms unite
In Nanny of the Tyne.

Far from the noise of giddy courts
The lovely charmer dwells;
Her cot the haunt of harmless sports,
In virtue she excels.
With modesty, good nature join'd
To form  the nymph divine;
And truth, with innocence combin'd,
In Nanny of the Tyne.

Flow on, smooth stream, in murmurs sweet
Glide gently past her cot,
'Tis peace and virtue's calm retreat-
Ye great ones, envied not.
And you, ye fair, whom folly leads
Through allher paths supine,
Tho' drest in pleasure's garb, exceeds
Not Nanny of the Tyne.

Can art to nature e'er compaire,
Or win us to believe
But that the frippery of the fair
Was made but to deceive.
Stript from the belle the dress so gay,
Which fashion calls divine,
Will she such loveliness display
As Nanny of the Tyne.

Gibson-In: The Newcastle Song Book or Tyne-Side Songster., W&T Fordyce
Newcastle Upon Tyne.