Lyr. Add: I Courting I Went: I Had Nought Else to Do

The summer was over, my flocks were all shorn,
The meadows were mowed, I had housed all my corn,
Fair Phillida's cottage was just in my view,
A courting I went- I had nought else to do.
2
On Flora's soft carpet together we sat,
And spent some long hours in amorous chat;
I told her I loved and I hoped she loved too,
I kiss'd her sweet lips- had nought else to do.
3
She hung down her head, and with blushes replied,
I love you, but first you must make me your bride;
Without hesitation I made her a vow,
To make her my wife- I had nought else to do.
4
To the village in quest of a priest we did roam,
As fortune would have it, the Don was at home,
Then I gave him a fee to make one of us two,
He married us then- he had nought else to do.
5
Ever since, we've been happy, with peace and content,
Nor tasted the sorrows of those who repent;
Our neighbours around us we love, and 'tis true,
Each other besides- when we've nought else to do.
6
With Phoebus the toils of the day we begin,
I shepherd my flocks, while she sits down to spin,
With cares thus domestic with ardour pursue,
and then will love- when we've nought else to do.

A few corrections made to printing errors.
Bodleian Collection, Firth c.18(204); no date.
London, H. Such.

The same sheet has a similar song; I Will Marry: When I Have Nothing Else to Do

(Posted because- I had nought else to do.)