William and Phillis

J. Catnach, Printer, 2, &3, Monmouth-court, 7 Dials.

Said William to young Phillis, how came you here so soon?
You seem to love to ramble all in the month of June:
The birds are singing charmingly, so set you down by me
To view the lambkins playing all around the greenwood tree.

She said, my charming sailor my parents do mind
They said to wed so early, they thought it was (a shame)
My father has declar’d he’ll prove your overthrow,
Because you are a sailor bold that ploughs the ocean thro’.

But I ne’er mind my father, although he threatens you
For though I am his daughter such usage will not do,
I will venture with my sailor no longer will I mourn
For you’ll seldom find a better, when your old sweet-heart is gone.

Said William, now the ocean has summon’d me away
I hope you’ll change your notion, and with your parents stay.
It will hurt your constitution, your fingers is so (small)
So stay at home & do not roam our cable ropes to haul.

Said Phillis, I have clothing already for the sea,
So we will go together unto America;
And then we’ll be united, and live so happily,
And talk about our tales of love, likewise the greenwood tree.

They both did go together, to sail the ocean wide;
Young Phillis did her duty, for William was her pride;
But mark their desolation, the wind began to blow,
The lightning flash’d the thunder roar’d, in fleaks down fell the snow.

For three weeks on the ocean they were toss’d up & down
Their ship had lost her anchors, the masts away were blown
When short of provision & all prepared to die,
Young Phillis hung around her love, & bitterly did cry

Young William let the small boat down, and in it them did go,
Poor Phillis and young William all on the sea did row.
Their drink it was salt water, and that alone was sweet
They tore their clothing from their backs, for they had nought to eat.

With thirst and cold and hunger they on their knees did pray
Midst lightning, rain and thunder they pass’d their time away,
At length upon a dismal night they were cast upon the strand,
On the coast of America, good and friendly land

They met with kind assistance, it did their health restore
And now they are united all on that fruitful shore.
They are happy in America, all in prosperity,
Young Phillis and Young William down by the greenwood tree.

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BBO Roud Number: 1429