The Wooing

A YOUTH went faring up and down, Alack and well-a-day. He fared him to the market town, Alack and well-a-day. And there he met a maiden fair, With hazel eyes and auburn hair; His heart went from him then and there, Alack and well-a-day. She posies sold right merrily, Alack and well-a-day; But not a flower was fair as she, Alack and well-a-day. He bought a rose and sighed a sigh, 'Ah, dearest maiden, would that I Might dare the seller too to buy!' Alack and well-a-day. She tossed her head, the coy coquette, Alack and well-a-day. 'I'm not, sir, in the market yet,' Alack and well-a-day. 'Your love must cool upon a shelf; Tho' much I sell for gold and pelf, I'm yet too young to sell myself,' Alack and well-a-day. The youth was filled with sorrow sore, Alack and well-a-day; And looked he at the maid once more, Alack and well-a-day. Then loud he cried, 'Fair maiden, if Too young to sell, now as I live, You're not too young yourself to give,' Alack and well-a-day. The little maid cast down her eyes, Alack and well-a-day, And many a flush began to rise, Alack and well-a-day. 'Why, since you are so bold,' she said, 'I doubt not you are highly bred, So take me!' and the twain were wed, Alack and well-a-day.