There was a maid the other day

There was a maid the other day

Sighed sore. God wot,

And she said that wives might sport and play,

But maidens, they might not.

"Full fifteen have I lived." she said,

"Since I, poor soul, was born.

Oh, if I chance to die a maid,

Apollo is forsworn.

Oh, oh, oh for a husband!"

Still this was her song.

"I will have a busband,

Be he old or young."

An ancient suitor thither came.

His head was almost gray.

Though he was old, yet she was young

And could no longer stay;

But to her mother went this maid.

And told her presently

That a husband she needs must have

And thus began to cry:

"Oh, oh, oh for a husband!"

Still this was her song.

"I will have a husband,

Be he old or young."

She had not been a wedded wife

A quarter of a year

But she was weary of her life

And grew into a fear;

For the old man he lay by her side.

Could not but sigh and groan.

Did ever woman so abide?

'Twere better lie alone.

"Oh, oh, oh with a husband,

What a life lead I.

Out upon a husband,

Such a husband, fie, fie, fie!"

"To be a wedded wife." she sald,

"A twelve-month is too long

As I have been", poor soul, she said,

"That am both fair and young,

When other wives may have their will,

That art not like to me.

I mean to go and try my skill

And find some remedy.

Oh, oh, oh with a husband,

What a life lead I.

Out upon a husband.

Such a busband, fie, fie, fie!"