As I were in Cupid's garden,

Not more nor half-an-hour,

'Twere there I see'd two maidens,

Sitting under Cupid's bower,

A-gathering of sweet jassamine,

The lily and the rose.

These be the fairest flowers

As in the garden grows.

I fondly stepped to one o' them,

These words to her I says,

"Be you engaged to arra young man,

Come tell to me, I prays."

"I bean't engaged to narra young man, '

I solemnly declare,

I aims to live a maiden,

And still the laurel wear."

Says I, "My stars and garters!

This here's a pretty go,

For a fine young maid as never was,

To serve all mankind so."

But t'other young maiden looked sly at me,

And from her seat she risen,

Says she, "Let thee and I go our own way,

And we'll let she go shis'n."