Charming Phyllis

1. Charming Phyllis, fair as lillies,
But her will is to distain.
This dear creature's beauteous features
Give me pleasure mixed with pain;
Lips like cherries, black as berries,
Are the eyes of Phyllis fair;
Slender waisted, snow-white breasted
None with Phyllis can compare.

2. Breath like roses June discloses,
Sweet as posies, fragrant smell;
Brisk and airy like a fairy,
Charms that Nature doth excel.
Ever pleasing, never teasing,
Yet she's freezing, cold as snow,
To her lover, who to move her
Melting language does bestow.

3. Lovely jewel, be not cruel,
Quench my fuel, see me burn,
See me languish, ease my anguish,
Turn O! lovely charmer turn.
Grant your favour and I ever
Will endeavour to adore;
I'll caress thee, and will bless thee
With true love for evermore.


Source: Sabine Baring Gould, 1895, "Old English Songs from English Minstrelsie".  Taken from the selection of the eight-volume work by Baring Gould of the same name, reprinted by Llanerch Publishers