The Loving Lad, AND, The Coy lass. Or, a new Dialogue between two young Lovers.  

The Youth did love the girl entirely well,  
But she (because her beauty did excel,)  
seemed nice and coy, as Virgins use to be,  
And yet at last they both did well agree:  
The match was finished but on such condition,  
That she might fully know his disposition  
Therefore she did enjoin him not to marry,  
But for her sake, full seven years' space to tarry:  
And then she is resolved (to end all strife,)  
She'll be his faithful, constant, loving Wife.   
To the Tune of, my father gave me House and Land, or, the Young man's joy and the maiden's happiness.  
 
 Man. 

ALl hail thou bright and bonny Lass,  
my joy and only sweeting,  
Good Fortune now hath Brought to pass,  
that we should have a meeting,   

That so I might behold thy face  
and speak my mind unto thee,  
And since here is a sitting place,  
I do intend to woo thee.   

For I long time have loved thee well,  
but yet I ne'er did show it,  
Because indeed the truth to tell,  
I durst not let thee know it.   

For fear thou shouldst my love disdain,  
and so in coyness shun me,  
And not my person entertain,  
which would have quite undone me.   

But now I have more courage gained,  
and am resolved to try thee,  
For my affection is unfeigned,  
How canst thou then deny me.   Maid. 

I prithee Will, be soft and sweet,  
methinks you are too hasty,  
O talk no more of wooing yet  
For fear your Master baste ye.   

You are as yet a Prentice Will.  
then leave such fond adventures  
And think not of a wife until,  
y''ave served out your inventures.   

For why I think there's no time lost,  
but you may longer tarry  
Your age is twenty years at most,  
a little too young to marry.   

Then take my council if you please,  
and rest a while contented,  
Forbear such rash attempts as these,  
which oft times are repented,   Man. 

Indeed I wish I able were,  
to follow your direction,  
But little dost thou know my Dear,  
the strength of my affection.   

Love burns so hot within my breast,  
that if I should conceal it,  
Besure 'twould never let me rest,  
Until I did reveal it,   

For where true love the heart doth sway,  
in any Loyal Lover  
He cannot brook one weeks delay,  
but must his mind discover.   
 

Therefore sweet loving Mistress Jane  
consider my condition,  
My heart with love is almost slain,  
O! prove a kind physician,   Maid. 

Fie, fie, thou art a flattering youth,  
I do not like thy carriage,  
Leave off such toys for in good truth,  
they will thee quite disparage,   

Think it not strange that I am coy,  
or that I have denied thee,  
I never will affect a Boy,  
what ever doth betide me.   

Herein I do thee not disgrace,  
but speak as't doth behoove me,  
For thou never hadst a manlike face,  
therefore I cannot love thee.   Man. 

Oh! my Dear that's a killing word,  
I prithee henceforth forbear it,  
And let thy sweet lips some comfort afford  
speak kindly that I may hear it.   

I prize thee more than Gold or Pearl,  
thou art my only jewel,  
Then prithee do not frown my girl,  
why shouldst thou be so cruel.   

It thou continuest to deny,  
and thus in scorn to flight me,  
Then surely I, for love must die,  
Oh! do not so require me.   

But if thou'lt grant me love at last,  
and yield thyself unto me,  
My grief and sorrows which are past,  
us harm at all can do me,   

For in thy love I shall rejoice,  
even as it will behoove me,  
And thou shalt find (my only choice)  
how dearly I do love thee.   Maid. 

If that indeed your words be true,  
and you do so affect me,  
Grant this request, and that will show,  
how much you do respect me,   

Live for my sake a single life,  
Until seven years a are ended,  
And then for to become your wife,  
I fully am intended.   

But if the same you do refuse,  
great cause I have to suspect you,  
Another mate you may go choose,  
for I will never affect you.   Man. 

My Dear, this is a difficult task,  
and yet I tell thee truly,  
Since thou art pleased the same to ask,  
I will perform it duly,   

Full seven years' space, for thy sweet sake  
a bachelor I'll tarry;  
And eke all other Maids for sake  
with my True-love to marry.   

Now give me leave to kiss thy hand,   Maid. 
my leave is quickly gained,  Man 
The sweetest Damosel in the Land,  
at last I have obtained.  
FINIS.   

London, Printed for F. Coles, M. Wright, T. Vere, & W. Gilbersson.