Since it doth stand each man in hand,
To happify his life,
I would advise each to be wise,
And chuse a prudent wife.
Since bundling is not the thing,
That judgments will procure,
Go on young men and bundle then,
But keep your bodies pure.
(Printed and sold by Nathaniel Coverly, Jun. Boston.)
The foregoing version is evidently not complete, several verses having been left out on account of their containing more truth than poetry, but these may be supplied from a manuscript copy, evidently made from memory, with considerable variations from the printed copy, which by no means improve it, though the schoolmaster did his best, and probably saved for us a very complete version of the ballad as it passed from mouth to mouth before the printed copy was made.
It was transcribed from a volume of manuscript ballads in the handwriting of Israel Perkins, of Connecticut, written in 1786, when he was eighteen years old, and teaching school.
THE WHORE ON THE SNOW CRUST.
1. Adam at first was formed of dust,
As we find on record;
And did receive a wife cal'd Eve,
By a creative word.
2. From Adam's side a crooked bride,
We find complete in form;
Ordained that they in bed might lay
And keep each other warm.
3. To court indeed they had no need,
She was his wife at first,
And she was made to be his aid,
Whose origin was dust.
4. This new made pair full happy were,
And happy might remained,
If his help meet had never eat
The fruit that was restrained.