Song 144 (No, No) Mrs. Wrighten (Lon) 1771
[From "The Choice Spirit's Chaplet: Or, a Poesy from Parnassus" by George Alexander Stevens, 1771 as Song 144.
R. Matteson 2017]
Song 144 ("No! No!")- sung by Mrs. Wrighten at Vauxhall in the 1770s. Text from "The Choice Spirit's Chaplet: Or, a Poesy from Parnassus" by George Alexander Stevens, 1771.
THAT I might not be plagued with the nonsense of men,
I promis'd my mother again and again
To say as she bids me wherever I go,
And to all that they ask, or would haw, tell 'em No.
I really believe I have frighten'd a score:
They'll want to be with me, I warrant no more,
And I own I'm not sorry for serving them so;
Were the same thing to do, I again would say No.
For a shepherd I like, with more courage and art,
Won't let me alone, tho' I bid him depart;
Such questions he puts since I answer him so,
That he makes me mean Yes, tho' my words are still No.
He ask'd, did I hate him, or think him too plain;
(Let me die if he is not a clever young swain,)
If he ventur'd a kiss, if I from him would go,
Then he press'd my young lips, while I blush'd and said No.
He ask'd if my heart to another was gone;
If I'd have him to leave me, or cease to love on;
If I meant my life long to answer him so;
I faulter'd, and sigh'd, and reply'd to him, No.
This morning an end to his courtship he made;
Will Phillis live longer a virgin he said;
If I press you to church, will you scruple to go
In a hearty good-humour I answer'd, No, no.