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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


A WOOING SONG OF A YEOMAN OF KENT'S SON by ANONYMOUS

First Line: I HAVE HOUSE AND LAND IN KENT
Last Line: FOR I CANNOT COME EVERY DAY TO WOO
Subject(s): COURTSHIP;

I HAVE house and land in Kent,
And if you'll love me, love me now
Twopence halfpenny is my rent,
I cannot come every day to woo.

I'm my father's eldest son,
My mother eke doth love me well;
For I can bravely clout my shoon,
And I full well can ring a bell.

My father he gave me a hog,
My mother she gave me a sow,
I have a godfather dwells thereby,
And he on me bestowed a plough.

One time I gave thee a paper of pins,
Another time a tawdry lace,
And if thou wilt not grant me love,
In truth I die before thy face.

I have been twice our Whitsun lord,
I have had ladies many fair;
And eke thou hast my heart in hold,
And in my mind seemest passing rare.

I will put on my best white slop,
And I will wear my yellow hose,
And on my head a good gray hat,
And in't I stick a lovely rose.

Wherefore, cease, make no delay,
And if you'll love me, love me now:
Or else I seek some other way,
For I cannot come every day to woo.



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