You've not to wait from year to year distress'd,

Before your conscience can be laid at rest;

There smiles your bride, there sprawls your new-born son,

—A ring, a licence, and the thing is done."

"My loving James,"—the lass began her plea,

"I'll make thy reason take a part with me.

Had I been froward, skittish, or unkind,

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Or to thy person or thy passion blind;

Had I refused, when 'twas thy part to pray,