MY SUMMER GIRL AND ME
Under the green-wood tree
Joyfully,
Rest my summer girl and me.
Fonder, franker pair, hath never been
A-courting here upon the lawn.
Oh, my dear, you look so sweet,
All in lace and satin white,
With that rosebud in your hair,
And those lips that seem to say,
“You may, you may,—nay, nay,—nay, nay,”
“You may kiss me—don’t you dare!”
Under the green-wood tree
Life is full of witchery.
Listen, then, dissembling girl, to me:
Come, come, fair one; no more delay.
Come, come, sweetheart, and marry me?
What, what care we for worldly state?
For mansion proud, or titles great?
My humble cot, beside the Platte,
With thee its mistress, well might seem
Fairy May Queen’s bower, and life an Eden dream.
With hope, with health, enough to eat,
Our cup of joy were full indeed.
For having all that makes Earth dear,
How could, how could we wish for more?
Come, then, my love; no more delay;
Name, name, oh, name our wedding day!
Under the green-wood tree
Soon married we shall be,
My dainty summer girl and me.