Constant swain/The constant swain

THE CONSTANT SWAIN.

WHERE is my constant jewel,
my joy and heart's delight?
Why does she prove so cruel,
⁠as to forsake me quite.

I might have had much treasure,
⁠had I forsook her charms,
I lov'd her out of measure,
⁠I wish'd her in my arms.

How oft have I beheld her,
⁠the charming beauty bright,
Her charms were so delighting,
⁠she ravished my sight.

Each morning that I view'd her,
⁠her cheeks were lovely red,
With pleasure I review'd her,
⁠as she lay on her bed.

She's tall and she is slender,
⁠and every way complete,
She is handsome for to follow,
⁠and clever for to meet.

Her lips are red as rubies,
⁠here eyes are black as sloes,
Her charms are so delighting,
⁠she wounds where'er she goes.

So fare you well sweet Nancy,
⁠since you so cruel prove,
I'll try for to forget you
⁠and all the pains of love.

Although you are so cruel,
⁠you have stole my heart away,
No other girl I'll marry
⁠until my dying day.

She hearing of his mourning,
⁠she turn'd to him again,
And said, My dearest Jamie,
⁠I'll ease you of your pain.

Because you've been so loyal,
⁠I'll prove your loving wife,
And constant I will be to you,
⁠all the days of your life.