Willie was a wanton wag (1823)/The jolly miller

THE JOLLY MILLER.

There was a jolly miller once
⁠Liv'd on the river Dee,
He danc'd and he sang from morn till night,
⁠No lark so blithe as he.
And ay the burden of his song
⁠For ever us'd to be,
I care for nobody, no not I,
⁠If nobody cares for me.

I live by my mill, God bless her,
⁠She's kindred, child and wife;
I would not change my station
⁠For any other in life.
No lawyer, surgeon, or doctor,
⁠E'er had a groat from me.
I care for nobody, no not I,
⁠If nobody cares for me.

When spring begins its merry career,
⁠Oh how his heart grows gay;

Nor summer drouth alarms his fears,
⁠Nor winter's sad decay,
No foresight mars the miller's joy,
⁠Who's wont to sing and say,
I care for nobody, no not I,
⁠If nobody cares for me.

Thus, like the miller, bold, and free,
⁠Let us rejoice and sing;
The days of youth are made for glee,
⁠And time is on the wing.
This song shall pass from me to thee,
⁠Along this jovial ring;
Let heart and voice and all agree
⁠To say—Long live the king.