The Innocent Maid in Bedlam/Captain Delany's Ramble

by Anonymous

Captain DELANY'S RAMBLE.

Between Cashil and Thurlish,
I met a fair maiden,
As I was a walking
Along the high-way:
I laid her down softly,
In a fine dewy morning,
O! are you distracted
Young man she did say.

That very day se'nnight,
I met this fair maiden,
As I was a walking
Along the same way,
Shew drew very nigh me,
And shook hands most kindly,
With kisses most sweetly
She wept and did say;

Here's a letter from my father,
And blessings from my mother;
And 'tis all for the love
That I bear unto you:
You shall have your bargain,
And a thousand pounds sterling,
O! love, I'll be your darling,
Your joys to renew.

I like well your saying,
My own pretty maiden;
Yea, and I could live
For ever with you:
But I am contracted,
These five quarters passed,
To John Bailey's daughter,
In the county of Meo.

O don't be so cruel,
My own dearest jewel!
For who shall I father
My sweet baby to?
My name's Captain Delany,
No blushes shall shame me,
You will find me in Straw-belly,
In the county of Meo.