From an article "A Glance at the Minstrelsy of the Middlesex Border" by George Gilfillagain, in Tait's Edinburgh Magazine, Volume 22 June 1855, page 356:


THE FACTORY GIRL.

The sun was just rising one fine May-day morning,
The birds from the bushes so sweetly did sing,
Where the lads and the lasses so merrily moving,
To yonder large building their labour begin.
I spied a fair damsel more brighter than Venus,
Her cheeks like the roses none could her excel,
Her skin like the lily that grows in yon valley,
This blooming young goddess, the factory girl.

I stepp'd up to her this beautiful creature,
She cast upon me a proud look of disdain,
Stand back sir she cried and do not insult me,
Tho' poor I am, poverty is no sin.
I said my fair damsel no harm is intended,
But one favour grant me pray where do you dwell,
At home sir she answered, was going to leave me,
I am but a hard working factory girl.

I stood all amaz'd while on her I gaz'd,
Such modesty and prudence before ne'er did see,
I said my sweet charmer my soul's great alarmer,
If you will go with me a lady shall be.
She said sir, temptations are used in all nations,
Go marry a lady and you will do well,
So let me alone sir, the bells are a ringing,
I am but a hard working factory girl.

I stood in a flutter, knew not what was the matter,
Young Cupid the goddess my heart has trepan'd,
I said lovely maid if you'll not be my bride,
My life I will waste in some foreign land.
What pleasure in treasure where love it is wanting,
Your beauty upon me has now cast a spell,
I'll marry you speedy and make you a lady.
If you will be mine, dear factory girl.

She gave her consent and a licence was purchas'd,
The bells they did merrily echo and ring,
To church then they went, and as they were returning,
The bridesmen and maidens so sweetly did sing.
This lovely young couple lives happy together,
She blesses the hour that she first saw her swain,
This factory girl she is made a rich lady,
And married a squire of honour and fame.