9

Banks of Brandywine.

1.

ONE morning, very early, in the pleasant month of May,
As I walked forth to take the air, all nature being gay,
The moon had not yet veil'd her face but through the trees did shine,
As I wandered for amusement, on the banks of Brandywine.

2.

By many rough and craggy rocks and bushes of small growth,
By many lofty, ancient trees, the leaves were putting forth
I wandered up along those banks, where murm'ring streams do join.

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Where pleasant music caught my ear, on the banks of Brandywine

3.

At such an early hour I was surprised to see
A lovely maid with downcast eyes upon those banks so gay;
I modestly saluted her; she knew not my design,
And requested her sweet company, on the banks of Brandywine.

4.

She said, young man, be civil, my company forsake
For, in my real opinion, I think you are a rake;
My love's a valiant sailor, he's now gone to the main,
While comfortless I wander, on the banks of Brandywine.

5.

My dear, why do you thus give up to melancholy cries
I pray leave off your weeping, and dry those lovely eyes;

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For sailors in each port, my dear, they do a mistress find,
He will leave you still to wander on the banks of Brandywine.

6.

Oh! leave me, sir, do leave me, why do you me torment?
My Henry won't deceive me, therefore I am content;
Why do you thus torment me, and cruelly combine,
To fill my mind with horror, on the banks of Brandywine?

7.

I wish not to afflict your mind, but rather for to ease
Such dreadful apprehensions, they soon your mind will seize;
Your love, my dear, in wedlock bands, another one is joined,
She swooned into my arms, on the banks of Brandywine.

8.

The lofty hills and craggy rocks re-echoed back the strains,

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The pleasant gropes and rural shades were witness to her pains,
How often has he promised me in Hymen's chains to join,
Now I'm a maid forsaken, on the banks of Brandy wine.

9.

Oh no, my dear, that ne'er shall be, behold your Henry now!
I'll clasp you to my bosom, love, I've not forgot my vow;
It's now I know you're true, my dear, in Hymen's chains we'll join,
And hail the happy morn we met on the banks of Brandywine.