YE’VE heard of Meg Goldlocks of Willington Dene?
The stoniest damsel that ever was seen;
Yet, her beauty distress’d, with its splendour, the rest
Of the lasses for miles around Willington Dene.
Mary of Howdon, with Robin would rove!
But once to the Dene should his roguish feet move,
A-jealous of Meg’s unmatched beauty, her tongue
Was turned to a bell, and a merry peal rung.
Blithe Betsy of Percy, eyed Jim like a spy,
Lest o’er to the Dene he should slip on the sly
Nay, did she but dream it, with heart like to break,
She scowled when she met him for all the next week.
Sweet Nancy of Benton, deemed Willie her own,
Till he went to the Dene on an errand unknown;
The errand to her was apparent as day,
And the rose on her dimpled cheek withered away.
Thus matters went on around Willington Dene,
Till East came a gallant and married the quean;
That moment the rest of the lasses were blest,
And their lovers allowed to tread Killington Dene!