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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE FERRY by GEORGE HENRY BOKER

First Line: THERE WAS A GAY MAIDEN LIVED DOWN BY THE MILL
Last Line: "THIS MOMENT FOREVER TO BURY."
Subject(s): COURTSHIP; FERRIES;

THERE was a gay maiden lived down by the mill, --
Ferry me over the ferry, --
Her hair was as bright as the waves of a rill,
When the sun on the brink of his setting stands still,
Her lips were as full as a cherry.

A stranger came galloping over the hill, --
Ferry me over the ferry, --
He gave her broad silver and gold for his will:
She glanced at the stranger, she glanced o'er the sill;
The maiden was gentle and merry.

"O! what would you give for your virtue again?" --
Ferry me over the ferry, --
"O! silver and gold on your lordship I'd rain,
I'd double your pleasure, I'd double my pain,
This moment forever to bury."



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