“’TWAS DOWN IN CUPID’S GARDEN.”

WAS down in Cupid’s garden For pleasure I did go, To see the fairest flowers That in that garden grow. The first it was the jessamine, The lily, pink, and rose, And surely they’re the fairest flow’rs That in that garden grows! I’d not walked in that garden The part of half an hour, When there I saw two pretty maids Sitting under a shady bower. The first was lovely Nancy, So beautiful and fair; The other was a virgin Who did the laurel wear. I boldly stepped up to her, And unto her did say, Are you engaged to any young man? Do tell to me, I pray!

I’m not engaged to any young man, I solemnly do swear; I mean to live a virgin, And still the laurel wear. Then hand in hand together This lovely couple went; Resolved was the sailor boy To know her full intent— To know if he would slighted be When to her the truth he told. Oh no! oh no! oh no! she cried; I love a sailor bold.