The Oak and the Ash

 

 

The Oak and the Ash

1. A North Country maid up to London had strayed
Although with her nature it did not agree,
Which made her repent, and so bitterly lament,
Oh I wish again for the North Country.
Oh the oak and the ash and the bonnie ivy tree,
They flourish at home in my own country.

2. O fain would I be in the North Country,
Where the lads and lasses are making of hay;
There should I see what is pleasant to me,
A mischief light on them entic’d me away!
Oh the oak and the ash and the bonnie ivy tree,
They flourish at home in my own country.

3. I like not the court, nor the city resort,
Since there is no fancy for such maids as me;
Their pomp and their pride I can never abide,
Because with my humor it does not agree.
Oh the oak and the ash and the bonnie ivy tree,
They flourish at home in my own country.

4. How oft have I been in Westmoreland green,
Where the young men and maidens resort for to play,
Where we with delight, from morning till night,
Could feast and frolic on each holiday.
Oh the oak and the ash and the bonnie ivy tree,
They flourish at home in my own country.

5. The ewes and their lambs, with the kids and their dams,
To see in the country how finely they play;
The bells they do ring, and birds they do sing,
And the fields and the gardens are pleasant and gay.
Oh the oak and the ash and the bonnie ivy tree,
They flourish at home in my own country.

6. At wakes and at fairs, being freed of all cares,
We there with our lovers did use for to dance;
Then hard hap had I, my ill fortune to try,
And so up to London, my steps to advance.

7. But still I perceive, I a husband might have,
If I to the city my mind could but frame;
But I’ll have a lad that is North Country bred,
Or else I’ll not marry, in the mind that I am.
Oh the oak and the ash and the bonnie ivy tree,
They flourish at home in my own country.

8. A maiden I am, and a maid I’ll remain,
Until my own country I again I do see,
From here in this place I shall ne’er see the face
Of him that’s allotted my love for to be.
Oh the oak and the ash and the bonnie ivy tree,
They flourish at home in my own country.

9. Then farewell my daddy, and farewell my mammy,
Until I do se you, I nothing but mourn;
Rememb’ring my brothers, my sisters, and others,
In less than a year I hope to return.
Oh the oak and the ash and the bonnie ivy tree,
They flourish at home in my own country.