SONG OF THE ENGLISH PEASANT GIRL.

I am but a rustic maiden

Dwelling by the river side,

But I'm happy as the Princess

Who today becomes a bride.

I am but a peasant's daughter,

All his life in toil is spent,

But he loves me as Prince Albert

Loves his child, and I'm content.

Though the Queen of many nations,

Centre of each Royal scene,

Better than I love my mother,

Does the Princess love the Queen?

Are Prince Leopold and Arthur,

Though within a palace bred,

Dearer than my little brothers

Playing‘ neath the cottage shed?

There's a group of Royal sisters

Clustering round the English throne,

But I know they are not truer,

Better sisters than mine own.

Hark! it is the trumpet sounding;

At the Prince of Prussia's side

Standeth now her Royal Highness;

Oh, I would not be the bride!

For a manly voice hath whispered,

“Dearer than my life thou art!”

What care I who rules a kingdom

If I rule in Jamie's heart?

I am but a peasant's daughter,

And the wealthy pass me by,—

But there's not in merry England

A happier maid than I.