Title

Vagabond Fancy

Oh, I went a-wandering, a tripping down the road.
And cheery breezes kissed my face, I bore oh, the lightest load.
I bore the slimmest pack, my lad, oh, the neatest bags.
And clothed in such finery, why only the best of rags!

And oh, my purse, let me say it made the sweetest sound.
The softest pat against my side, where nary a coin was found.
Oh sure my cloak is thin my lad, but the weather is warm still.
There's bound to be a welcoming spot, just over yonder hill.

Step lively lad, we must go on, set a quickened pace.
The day is fresh but moving fast, so swiftly now, make haste!
Oh but sir, tell me true, these questions I must ask.
Why leave the farm so snug and warm with only your coat and hat?

Ah my lad, my fine young friend, tell me this thing if you please.
Remember yon bonny lass back there, all smile and eye's ease?
Why yes my lord, I do at that, a kindly farmer's get.
Fair of form and winsome grace, the nicest maiden we have met.

And do you remember her father, boy, so strapping big and strong?
An honest sort, proud and true, with such intolerance for wrong?
Yes my lord, I do indeed. A fearsome man tis true.
But a just and honorable sort, what of my question to you?

Oh, the answer here is a simple one, as simple as a wink.
For of farmer's daughter's fathers, I know of what I speak.
Pride in his girl and hearth and home, this is the good man's way.
Protective of his girl he'd be, never letting her stray.

His arguement is a good one, friend, for he'd kill any philandering knave.
Or force a feckless fop to wed, and make him his girl's slave.
The very least a one would get is the drubbing of his life.
The most would be, you know, yonder daughter as a wife!

But you see temptation calls, and coaxes with all its pleasant wiles.
And I and she, we lept free, like horses 'cross the stiles.
Tis the heart of the matter, indeed my lad, the reason for our race.
For sure as yon sun climbs the sky, the lady's no longer chaste!