EBBA 36846 - UCSB English Broadside Ballad Archive

EBBA 36846

British Library - C.121.g.9

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['TWAS on a River's verdant side,]

'TWAS on a River's verdant side,

just at the close of Day,

A dying Swan with Musick try'd

to chase her Cares away.

And tho' she ne'er had stretch'd her Throat

nor tun'd her Voice before;

Death (ravish'd with so sweet a Note

a while the Stroke forbore.

Farewel, he cry'd, ye Silver Stremas,

yepurling Streams adieu;

Wher Phoebus us'd to dart her Beams,

and bless both me and you.

Farewel ye tender whistling Reeds,

soft Scenes of happy Love,

Farewel ye bright enamelled Meads,

where I was us'd to rove.

No more with you may I converse,

see yonder's setting Sun,

Attend whilst I my last rehearse,

and then I must be gone.

Weep not my tender constant Mate,

we'll meet again below;

This is the kind Decree of Fate,

and I with Pleasure go.

But whether Life or Death betide,

in Love 'tis equal Bliss;

The Victor lives with empty Pride,

the Vanquish'd lost me miss.