The Green Mossy Banks of the Lea

When first from my country, a stranger, curiosity caused me to roam,
Over Europe I resolved to be a ranger, when I left Philadelphia, my home
I quickly sailed over to Ireland, where forms of great beauty doth shine,
It was there I beheld a fair damsel, and I wished in my heart she was mine.

One morning I careless did ramble where the sweet wind's pure breezes did
blow;
It was down by a clear crystal river where the sweet purling waters doth flow.
It was there I beheld a fair damsel, some goddess appearing to be,
As she rose from the reeds by the waters on the green mossy banks of the Lea.

I stepped up and bid her good morning; her fair chee@s did blush like the
rose.
Said I, "These green banks looks charming; your guardian I'll be if you
choose."
She says, "Sir, I ne'er wants a guardian; young man, you're a stranger to me;
For yonder's my father a coming on the green mossy of the Lea."

I waited till up came her father; I picked up my courage once more;
Said I, " Sir, if this be your daughter, she's a beautiful girl I adore."
Ten thousand a year is my fortune; a lady your daughter shall be,
She'll ride in her chariot and horses on the green mossy banks of the Lea."

They welcomed me home to their cottage; soon after in wedlocks did join,
I quickly created a cottage with splendour and grandeur to shine,
So now the American stranger great pleasure and pastime can see,
With his adorable gentle Matilda on thc green mossy banks of the Lea.

Come all you pretty fair maids, take warning, no matter how poor you may be,
There's many a poor girl as handsome as those that's got large property.
By flattery let no man deceive you, no matter how poor you may be,
Like adorable gentle Matilda on the green mossy banks of the sea.

From Ballads and Sea Songs From Nova Scotia, Mackenzie
DT #477
Laws O15
RG
oct96