Retty's Phases

Retty used to shake her head

Look with wicked eye

Say "I'd have you, simple Ned,

If I cared to try!"

But she'd colour scarlet red

Stilly step away,

Much afraid that what she'd said

Were saucy things to say.

Retty used to want to rest

When we'd walked a mile,

And she'd whisper "I were blest

Could I run awhile

As I ran that dear old day

When you saw me wade

Through the pond that people say

Fairy shovels made".

Retty used to draw me down

To the green church-hay,

Where, with yeoman, squire, and clown

Her little body lay.

Now her silent mouldering place

Scarce my footsteps know,

For when last I saw her face

Was so long ago.