Mary Drue
by the late T. Houston*

On a pleasant April morning,
Wand'ring Tyne's sweet banks along,
Spring with flow'rs the fields adorning,
Woods and gorves with birds of song--
Pensive stray'd I; none was nigh me,
When a maid appear'd in view--
Slow she came, or seem'd to fly me--
Heav'ns! 'twas charming Mary Rrue.

Long my Mary's charms I gaz'd on,
Long I view'd that nymph complete--
Her bright eyes no form were rais'd on,
But were downcast at her feet:
In her hand a violet blooming
Kiss'd the breeze that gently blew,
And one robe, with folds presuming
Hid the breast of Mary Drue.

Onward drew the modest maiden,
Heav'nly was her gait and air--
Brighter ne'er that meadow stray'd in,
Never Tyne saw form so fair:
In my breast my heart, wild beating,
With redoubled ardour flew;
From my tongue all speech retreating,
Left me scarce-"dear Mary Drue."

Henry, Henry! have I found you?
(Thus the maid her words address'd,)
and with solitude around you,
Can my Henry here be bless'd?
Woods and streams may yield a pleasure,
But my bliss-'tis all in you--
Love beyond all bounds and measure--
Lov'd at last by Mary Drue!

Told this morn of your disorder,
(Love for me the cause believ'd,)
Soon I sought this river's border,
Where 'tis said you oft have griev'd:
On the river's brnk I find you--
Pensive, sad, I find you too;
Leave the world and wealth behind you--
Thou art worlds to Mary Drue!

Sweet as notes from lutes ascending,
to my ear these accents came,
Smiles and looks of love attending,
Touch'd my soul with gen'rous flame;
O'er her charms, disorder'd, stooping--
Rapt'rous sight! divinely new!--
On my breast her head lay drooping,
While I clasp'd sweet Mary Drue.

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

*Thomas Houston died about the year 1802 or 1803. He was the author of a play, entitled "The Term-day, or Unjust Steward," and of several poems among which were, "The Progress of Madness," and "A Race to Hell.". In the latter piece were given the portraitures of two notorious corn-factors of that day, belonging to this town.--Houston was a nativeof Ireland, and by trade a brass-founder.