OVER THE MOUNTAIN

It was night and the moon illuminated the sky,
When I first took a notion to marry.
I put on my shoes and away I did hie,
You'd have though I'd have been in a hurry.
'Til I reach-ed the spot where I'd oft times had been.
How my heart did rejoice when my charmer I'd seen.
So I lifted the latch and I bad her good e'en.
Saying "Will you come with me over the mountains?"

"What notion is this that you have in your head,?
But still I am glad to be near you.
It's past twelve o'clock and I should be in bed,
Speak low or my mother will hear you."
"Well if I be jesting, my jesting be true.
We have courted a year and I think that should do.
And before I do sleep I'll be married to you..
If you'll venture with me o'er the mountains."

"If I were to make an elopement with you,
It might be attended by danger.
The neighbours would tattle and censure me too,
My parents would frown and no wonder."
"Oh pray let them tattle and censure away.
But consult with yourself for 'tis now coming day.
And I care not a fig what they all of them say.
If I once get you over the mountains."

"If you are in earnest," she said with a sigh,
"kind providence be my director."
"I've love in my bosom, I cannot deny."
This sentence it seemed to affect her.
"I'm using no magic, no scheme and no spell.
I've a good honest heart and I love you right well,
And if you refuse me sweet maiden farewell,
My steps I'll retrace o'er the mountains."

"Well then I'm determined at home for to stay,
For I think it much safer and better."
"Then farewell again sweet maid I'll away,
And that puts an end to the matter."
"Stop!, Stop! wait a moment 'til I put on my shoes."
How my heart did rejoice when I heard the glad news,
As she stepped to the door saying "I hope you'll excuse,
My simplicity over the mountains."

By this time the moon it had sunk in the west,
And the morning stars shone with the dawning.
As we then together our journey progressed,
To be joined at the altar next morning.
So now in contentment our days we will spend,
For the dangers to marriage are now at an end.
And we oft times will talk when we meet with a friend,
Of that trip we took over the mountain.