Lingering Lazy Johnny
by Isobel Pagan
Where my swain so blythe and clever,
Why does he leave me all in sorrow,
Three long days has gone forever,
Since he swore he would call to-morrow.
O had he lov'd but half as I do,
He would come with his looks so bonny,
Love has flying wings I well know,
But none for the lingering lazy Johnny.
What can he now be a-doing,
Is he with some lassie staying,
He had better have been wooing,
As with others fondly straying.
Tell me truly where he's roving,
That I may no longer sorrow,
If he's wearied grown of loving,
He may tell me so the morrow.
Hath some favourite rival hid him,
She may be the happy creature,
I'll not ease myself to chide him,
Nor dispute with her for feature.
I neither can, nor will not tarry,
Nor will I sink myself in sorrow,
I may lose the time to marry,
If Johnny waits beyond the morrow.
Gentle shepherd, don't deceive me,
If you love me stay no longer,
And if you wont, another may have me,
Love may cool, 'twill ne'er grow stronger.
Lasses when your lads forsake you,
Sink not in despairing sorrow,
Blest another lad may make you,
Wait for none beyond to-morrow.