Sheffield Park

In Sheffield Park, oh there did dwell
A brisk young lad, I loved him well
He courted me my heart to gain
He's gone and left me full of pain

There is an alehouse in this town
There my love goes and sits him down
And takes a strange girl on his knee
And tells her what he don't tell me

I went upstairs to make the bed
I laid me down and nothing said
My mistress came to me and said
What is the matter with you, my maid?

0 mistress mistress you little know
The pain and sorrow I undergo
It's put your hand on my left breast
My fainting heart can take no rest

So take this letter to him with speed
And give it to him if he can read
And bring me an answer without delay
For he has stole my heart away

She took the letter immediately
He read it through while she stood by
As soon as he had the letter read
Into the fire he threw it with speed

How can she think so fond I'd be
That I could fancy none but she
Man was not made for one alone
I take delight to hear her mourn

Green leaves they gathered for her bed
And a flowery pillow for her head
The leaves that blow from tree to tree
Shall be a covering for thee

from Sedley, Seeds of Love
collated from broadsides in Dorset and Essex
see also Died for Love, There is a Tavern in the Town, Butcher's Boy
SOF