Tudor and Stuart Love Songs — Anon.

ONCE I LOV'D A MAIDEN FAIR.

Once I lov'd a maiden fair, But she did deceive me;

She with Venus might compare, In my mind, believe me: She was young, and among All our maids the sweetest.

Now I say, ah!

well-a-day!

Brightest hopes are fleetest.

I the wedding ring had got, Wedding clothes provided, Sure the church would bind a knot Ne'er to be divided: Married we straight must be, She her vows had plighted;

Vows, alas!

as frail as glass: All my hopes are blighted.

Maidens wav'ring and untrue, Many a heart have broken;

Sweetest lips the world e'er knew, Falsest words have spoken.

Fare thee well, faithless girl, I'll not sorrow for thee;

Once I held thee dear as pearl, Now I do abhor thee.

Temp.

Jas.

I.

(condensed by T. Oxenford).