Digital Tradition Mirror

My Thing is My Own

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Pennywhistle notation and Dulcimer tab for this song is also available

My Thing is My Own

I, a tender young maid, have been courted by many
Of all sorts and trades as ever was any.
A spruce haberdasher first spake to me fair
But I would have nothing to do with small ware.

cho: My thing is my own, and I'll keep it so still
     Yet other young lasses may do as they will.

A sweet scented courtier did give me a kiss,
And promis'd me  mouuntains if I would be his,
But I'll not believe him, for it is too true,
Some courtiers do promise much more than they do.

A fine Man of Law did come out of the Strand,
To plead his own case with his fee in his hand;
He made a brave motion but that would not do,
For I did dismiss him and nonsuit him too.

Next came a young fellow, a notable spark,
(With green bag and inkhorn, a Justice's clerk)
He pull'd out his warrant to make all appear,
But I sent him away with a flea in his ear.

A Master of Musick came with an intent,
To give me a lesson on my instrument,
I thank'd him for nohing, but bid him be gone,
For my little fiddle should not be plaid on.

An Usurer came with abundance of cash,
But I had no mind to come under his lash,
He profer'd me jewels, and great store of gold,
But I would not mortgage my little Free-hold.

A blunt Lieutenant surpriz'd my placket,
And fiercely began to rifle and sack it,
I mustered my spirits up and became bold,
And forc'd my Lieutenant to quit his strong hold.


A crafty young bumpkin that was very rich,
And us'd with his bargains to go thro' stitch,
Did tender a sum, but it would not avail,
That I should admit him my tenant in tayl.

A fine dapper taylor, with a yard in his hand
Did profer his service to be at command
He talk'd of a slit I had above knee,
But I'll have no taylors to stitch it for me.

A Gentleman that did talk much of his grounds
His Horses, his Setting-Dogs, and his greyhounds
Put in for a Course, and us'd all his art
But he mist of the Sport, for Puss would not start

A pretty young Squire new come to the town
To empty his Pockets, and so to go down,
Did profer a kindness, but I would have none
The same that he us'd to his mother's maid, Joan.

Now here I could reckon a hundred and more
Besides all the Gamesters recited before
That made their addresses in hopes of a snap
But as young as I was I understood trap.

last cho:
     My thing is my own, and I'll keep it so still
     Until I be marryed, say men what they will.

From Pills to Purge Melancholy, Vol. IV, D'Urfey
RG

Thanks to Mudcat for the Digital Tradition!