The poem
OH, would I resembled
The country girls fair, Who rosy-red ribbons
And yellow hats wear!
To believe I was pretty
I thought was allow'd; In the town I believed it
When by the youth vow'd.
Now that Spring hath return'd,
All my joys disappear; The girls of the country
Have lured him from here.
To change dress and figure,
Was needful I found, My bodice is longer,
My petticoat round.
My hat now is yellow.
My bodice like snow; The clover to sickle
With others I go.
Something pretty, e'er long
Midst the troop he explores; The eager boy signs me
To go within doors.
I bashfully go,--
Who I am, he can't trace; He pinches my cheeks,
And he looks in my face.
The town girl now threatens
You maidens with war; Her twofold charms pledges .
Of victory are.
1803.