THE DARK-EYED GENTLEMAN

I pitched my day's leazings in Crimmercrock Lane,

To tie up my garter and jog on again,

When a dear dark-eyed gentleman passed there and said,

In a way that made all o’ me colour rose-red,

“What do I see -

O pretty knee!”

And he came and he tied up my garter for me.

‘ Twixt sunset and moonrise it was, I can mind:

Ah,‘ tis easy to lose what we nevermore find! -

Of the dear stranger's home, of his name, I knew nought,

But I soon knew his nature and all that it brought.

Then bitterly

Sobbed I that he

Should ever have tied up my garter for me!

Yet now I've beside me a fine lissom lad,

And my slip's nigh forgot, and my days are not sad;

My own dearest joy is he, comrade, and friend,

He it is who safe-guards me, on him I depend;

No sorrow brings he,

And thankful I be

That his daddy once tied up my garter for me!