BESSY OF BLYTH.
"A VIRTUOUS WOMAN IS MORE PRECIOUS THAN RUBIES."
By the Same.—Written in 1826.
In Cramlington we've bonnie lasses enow,
With checks red as roses, and eyes black or blue;
But Bessy of Blyth I love better than onie—
My heart is still there with my own dear honey.
My uncle says, "Robin, why sure you are mad,
To slight Suky Swan—she's worth money, my lad!"
Dear uncle, says I, I'll ne'er marry for money,
And none will I have but my own dear honey.
Her face I compare to the blush of the morn,
Her breath to the scent of the fresh-blossom'd thorn;
For virtue and sense she's not equall'd by monie—
Few, few can compare with my own dear honey.
As in this world of care there is nought we approve,
Compar'd to the faithful good wife that we love;
To sweeten life's sorrow, the gall mix with honey,
I'll wed my dear Bess, and a fig for their money.
KELVIN GROVE.—THE LASSIE'S ANSWER.
By the Same—Written in 1827.