Rose-ann

Why didn’t you say you was promised, Rose-Ann?
  Why didn’t you name it to me,
Ere ever you tempted me hither, Rose-Ann,
  So often, so wearifully?

O why did you let me be near ‘ee, Rose-Ann,
  Talking things about wedlock so free,
And never by nod or by whisper, Rose-Ann,
  Give a hint that it wasn’t to be?

Down home I was raising a flock of stock ewes,
  Cocks and hens, and wee chickens by scores,
And lavendered linen all ready to use,
  A-dreaming that they would be yours.

Mother said: “She’s a sport-making maiden, my son”;
  And a pretty sharp quarrel had we;
O why do you prove by this wrong you have done
  That I saw not what mother could see?

Never once did you say you was promised, Rose-Ann,
  Never once did I dream it to be;
And it cuts to the heart to be treated, Rose-Ann,
  As you in your scorning treat me!