"I LOVED A LASS"

I loved a lass, a fair one,

As fair as e'er was seen;

She was indeed a rare one,

Another Sheba Queen:

But, fool as then I was,

I thought she loved me too:

But now, alas! she has left me,

Falero, lero, loo!...

And as abroad we walkèd

As lovers' fashion is,

Oft as we sweetly talkèd

The sun would steal a kiss.

The wind upon her lips

Likewise most sweetly blew;

But now, alas! she has left me

Falero, lero, loo!

Many a merry meeting

My love and I have had;

She was my only sweeting,

She made my heart full glad;

The tears stood in her eyes

Like to the morning dew:

But now, alas! she has left me,

Falero, lero, loo!

Her cheeks were like the cherry,

Her skin was white as snow;

When she was blithe and merry

She angel-like did show;

Her waist exceeding small,

The fives did fit her shoe:

But now, alas! she has left me,

Falero, lero, loo!

In summer time or winter

She had her heart's desire;

I still did scorn to stint her

From sugar, sack, or fire;

The world went round about,

No cares we ever knew:

But now, alas! she has left me,

Falero, lero, loo!...

No riches now can raise me,

No want make me despair;

No misery amaze me,

Nor yet for want I care.

I have lost a world itself,

My earthly heaven, adieu,

Since she, alas! hath left me,

Falero, lero, loo....

George Wither

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