A Book of Nursery Songs and Rhymes/Nursery Songs/XIV. AMONG THE GREEN HAY

by Sabine Baring-Gould

As I was a-walking one morning in spring,
'Twas down in the meadows to hear the birds sing,
My true love he met that very same day,
'Twas down in the meadows among the green hay.
What makes you, my dearest, this morning to mourn?
I wish to my heart you were not so forlorn.
Do you think that your jewel you'd e'er find more shy
Than T.I.M.O.T.H.Y.?
My father he's worth ten thousand or more,
And I am his daughter, and his only heir.
Not a farthing of fortune he'd give me, I fear,
If I were to marry Y.O.U., my dear.
'O as for your fortune, my dear, I don't mind,
I'll make you a husband both loving and kind.
Your hand put in mine, Miss, if you are inclined,
And Cupid shall U.S. in harmony bind.'
So then to the church they both hasted away,
And home to her father the very same day,
Saying, 'Honoured father, I tell unto thee,
I am M.A.R.R.I.E.D.'
So then the old man he greatly did stare,
'What! married, my daughter! my love, and my care!'
Saying, 'If it be so—then I have a new son,
And to him I say W.E.L.C.U.M.' (sic).