Stranger-Man

Now what is this, my daughter dear,

Upon thy cheek so fair?

'Tis but a kiss, my mother dear,

Kind fortune sent it there;

It was a courteous stranger-man

That gave it unto me,

And it is passing red, because

It was the last of three.

A kiss, indeed, my daughter dear!

I marvel in surprise!

Such conduct with a stranger-man,

I fear me, was not wise.

Me-thought the same, my mother dear,

And so at three forbore,

Although the courteous stranger-man

Vowed he had many more.

Now prithee, daughter, quickly go

And bring the stranger here,

And bid him hie and bid him fly

To me, my daughter dear;

For times be very, very hard,

And blessings eke so rare,

I fain would meet a stranger-man

That hath a kiss to spare.