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The Book of Odes, by L. Cranmer-Byng, [1908], at sacred-texts.com


p. 49

BEFORE THE FORD

If your heart be kind and true,
I will ford the stream with you.
If your fickle thoughts go straying,
Come with me no more a-maying.
Oh, you silly, silly swain!
Better men than you remain.

If you love me, dear my lord,
Bid me and I'll cross the ford.
Should your roving thoughts forsake me,
Thoughts more kind will captive make me.
Oh, you silly, silly swain!
Better men than you remain.


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