  Being an account of a race lately run at Temple-Newsham Green; none being admitted to run but such as were virgins. The first that came to the Two Miles' Race end was to have a silver spoon; the second, a silver bodkin; the third, a silver thimble; and the fourth, nothing at all. Tune "New Game at Cards." You that do desire to hear Of a virgin race run in York-shire, Come and listen, I'le declare, Such news before you ne'er did hear; For, I think, since the world begun, But seldom virgins races run. Four virgins that supposed were A race did run, I now declare; Sure such a race was never seen, As this at Temple Newsham Green; In half shirts and drawers these maids did run, But bonny Nan the race has won. A silver spoon this Nan obtain'd; The next a silver bodkin gain'd; The third that was not quite so nimble, Was to have a silver thimble; And she that was the last of all, Nothing unto her share did fall. In drawers red Ann Clayton run, And she it was the race that won; Peg Hall, as I may tell to you, Did run in drawers that were blew; Honest Alice Hall that was the third, Her drawers were white, upon my word. A concourse great of people were, For to behold these virgins there, Who so well acted the man's part, And love a man with all their heart; But what means this, for well we know Maids through the nation all do so. Now let us come to bonny Nan, Who won a race once of a man; In Bassing-hall street he did dwell, His name was Luke, 'tis known full well; And let me now declare to you, At something else she'l beat him too. Let none the Yorkshire girls despise, Who are so active now a days; So brisk and nimble they do grow, That few can match them, I do know; Then let us stand up for Yorkshire, Those country girls I love most dear. A Yorkshire girl, who can outvie? No city girls can them come nigh; They've rosy blushes in their cheeks, While city girls are green as leeks; This with my fancy will agree, A Yorkshire girl shall be for me. Then here's a health to a Yorkshire girl, For in mine eye she is a pearl, Whose beauty doth so charm mine eye That for her I would freely dye; Her virtues do her face adorn, And makes her look fresh as the morn. Now to conclude, unto my friend These lines I freely recommend, Advising him above the rest, To love a Yorkshire girl the best; But let him use his skill, for I Will love a Yorkshire girl until I dye. |
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