One morning very early,
In the pleasant month of May
As I walked out to take the air,
All nature being gay;
The moon had not yet veiled her face,
But through the trees did shine
As I wandered forth to take the air
On the banks of Brandywine.
2. At such an early hour
I was surprised to see
A lovely maid with downcast eyes
Upon those banks so gay
I modestly saluted her,
She knew not my design
And requested her sweet company
On the banks of Brandywine.
3. "I pray, young man, be civil,
My company forsake
For in my real opinion
I think you are a rake,
My love's a valiant sailor,
He's now gone to the Main
While comfortless I wander
On he banks of Brandywine.
4. "My dear, why do you thus
Give up to melancholy cries?
I pray give up your weeping,
And dry those lovely eyes,
For sailors in each port, my dear,
They do a mistress find
He will leave you to wander
On the banks of Brandywine."
| 5. "O leave me, sir, do leave me!
Why do you me torment?
My Henry's wont to see me,
Therefore I am content.
Why do you thus torment me,
And cruelly combine
To fill my heart with horror
On the banks of Brandywine?"
6. "I wish not to afflict your mind,
But rather for to ease
Such dreadful apprehensions,
They soon your heart will seize.
Your love, my dear, in wedlock bands,
Another one has joined."
She swooned into my arms
On the banks of Brandywine.
7. The lofty hills and craggy rocks
Reechoed back her strains;
The pleasant groves and rural shades
Were witness to her pains.
"How often has he promised me
In Hymen's chains to join!
Now I'm a maid forsaken
On the banks of Brandywine."
8. "O no, my dear, that ne'er shall be.
Behold your Henry now!
I clasp you to my bosom, love,
I've not forgot our vow.
It's now I know you're true, my dear,
In Hymen's chains we'll join
And bless the happy morn we met
On the banks of Brandywine."
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