Ballad. "When Nature's Beauty Shone Complete."

When nature's beauty shone complete.     With summer's lovely weather,     And even, shadowing day's retreat,     Brought swains and maids together;     Then I did meet a charming face,     But who--I'll be discreet:     Though lords themselves without disgrace     Might love whom I did meet.     "Good evening, lovely lass," said I,     To make her silence break;     The instant evening's blushing sky     Was rival'd in her cheek;     Her eyes were turn'd upon the ground,     She made me no reply,     But downward looks my bosom found:     "You've won me," whisper'd I.     And I did try all love could do,     And she try'd all to fly,     Now lingering slow to let me go,     Then hurrying to pass by:     "My love," said I, "you've me mistook,     No harm from me you'll meet;"     She only answer'd with a look,     But it was 'witching sweet.     I own'd my love, and prais'd her eyes,     Whose power she little knew;     And doubtless then she fancied lies,     What since she's proved true;     Confusion mingling fear and shame,     Between the "Yes" and "No,"     O when I mention'd love's soft name     How sweet her cheeks did glow!     I told her all the open truth,     'Bout being a labouring swain,     With not one groat to boast, forsooth,     But what hard work did gain:     And begg'd excuse in such-like clothes     Within her way to fall;     Wenches are ta'en with flashy beaus--     But she excus'd it all.     As near the humble cot we came,     Her fears did meet alarm     Lest friends imprudent ways should blame,     And think I meant her harm:     So there I prest her to my heart,     And there a kiss was ta'en,     And there I vow'd, ere we did part,     To meet her soon again.