Consent at Last- (Lon) 1719 D'Urfey's Wit & Mirth
[From "Wit and Mirth, or Pills to Purge Melancholy" by Thomas D'Urfey published by W. Pearson, for J. Tonson, London, 1719 edition, Volume III, p. 82. Original spelling kept.
In this version the suitor has adeptly figured out how to have his way with the lass even with a "No" answer. "Consent at Last" was called the original of the "she answered No" songs by early music authority Bruce Olson who found an MS antecedent dated 1635 "Lady, why does Love torment you? which only the first stanza can be read."
R. Matteson 2017]
Consent at Last.
Ladys, why doth Love torment you?
Cannot I your Grief remove?
Is there none that can content you
With the sweet delights of Love
O No, no, no, no, no: O, No, no, no, no, no, no, no.
Beauty in a perfect Measure,
Hath the Love and wish of all:
Dear, then shall I wait the Pleasure,
That commands my Heart and all:
O No, &c.
If I grieve, and you can ease me,
With you be so fiercely bent,
Having wherewithal to please me,
Must I still be Discontent?
O No, &c.
If I am your faithful Servant,
And my Love does still remain;
Will you think it ill deserved,
To be favour'd for my pain?
O No, &c.
If I should then crave a Favour,
Which your Lips invite me to,
Will you think it ill Behaviour,
Thus to steal a Kiss or two?
O No, &c.
All Amazing Beauty's Wonder,
May I presume your Breast to touch?
Or to feel a little under,
Will you think I do too much?
O No, &c.
Once more fairest, let me try ye[1]
Now my wish is fully sped,
If all Night, I would lye by ye,
Shall I be refus'd your Bed?
O No, &c.
1. alternative text:
Once more fairest, only let me love you,
For my lippes is fully sped,