O Nanny, canst thou love so true, Wilt thou assume the nurse's care, And when at last thy love shall die, Robert Burns affirmed this song to be the most beautiful composition of its kind in the English language. WHEN LOVELY WOMAN. OLIVER GOLDSMITH, born 1731, died 1774. The music by SIGNOR GIARDINI. WHEN lovely woman stoops to folly, The only art her guilt to cover, To hide her shame from every eye, And wring his bosom, is—to die. "For elegant simplicity of language, harmony of versification, and pointed neatness of composition," says Dr. Aikin in his "Vocal Poetry," "there are not, perhaps, to be found in the language two more finished stanzas than these, which are introduced in 'The Vicar of Wakefield.' It may be doubted whether Dr. Aikin's eulogium be deserved. To die is not an "art." And, independently of this verbal objection, the sentiment of the song is not irreproachable, for it points to suicide, and not to repentance. THE THORN. JOHN O'KEEFE. The music, by WM. SHIELD, was composed expressly for Incledon. In the original edition the words are erroneously ascribed to Burns. FROM the white-blossom'd sloe my A sprig her fair breast to adorn; dear Chloe requested "No, by heavens!" I exclaim'd "may I perish, If ever I plant in that bosom a thorn!" When I show'd her the ring and implored her to marry, She blush'd like the dawning of morn: "Yes, yes! I'll consent," she replied, "if you promise That no jealous rival shall laugh me to scorn." DEAR BETTY. Sir CHARLES HANBURY WILLIAMS. DEAR Betty, come give me sweet kisses, Count the bees that on Hybla are straying, To a heart full of love let me hold thee, What joy can be greater than this is? Will always with few be content. 9 Sir Charles Hanbury Williams, Bart., wrote a great number of political and other songs, which, with his other works, were published in 1822, in 3 vols., from the original MSS. in the possession of his grandson the Earl of Essex, with notes by Horace Walpole. This songthe only one of the many which is a shade above mediocrity-is an imitation of Martial, Lib. vi. Ep. xxxiv. The greater portion of the songs of this writer were produced between 1730 and 1745. In Ritson's "English Songs," this is inserted with the music, under the title of "Come, Chloe, and give me sweet kisses." The author of the music is unknown. PRETTY LITTLE SUE. From the "Myrtle and the Vine," A.D. 1780. My fair, Whene'er a charming form you see, But rest, my soul, and bless your fate; IF 'TIS LOVE TO WISH YOU NEAR. Words and Music by CHARLES DIBDIN, born 1745, died 1814. IF 'tis love to wish you near, To languish when you're out of sight,— If, when you're gone, to count each hour, That you may kind and faithful To wish your fortune to partake, prove; Though low in poverty we strove; If this be loving, then I love. HAD I A HEART FOR FALSEHOOD FRAMED.. R. B. SHERIDAN, born 1751, died 1816. HAD I heart for falsehood fram'd, I ne'er could injure you; For though your tongue no promise claim'd, Το you no soul shall bear deceit, No stranger offer wrong; But friends in all the aged you'll meet, For when they learn that you have blest They'll bid aspiring passion rest, Then, lady, dread not here deceit, For friends in all the aged you'll mect, COUNTY GUY. Sir WALTER SCOTT, born 1771, died 1832. O COUNTY GUY, the hour is nigh, The orange-flower perfumes the bower, The lark, his lay who trill'd all day, Breeze, bird, and flower, confess the hour: The village maid steals through the shade, To beauty shy, by lattice high, Sings high-born Cavalier. The star of love, all stars above, Now reigns o'er earth and sky; Now high and low the influence know: But where is County Guy? OH! SAY NOT WOMAN'S HEART IS BOUGHT. From the operatic play "The Heir of Verona," produced in 1817, at Covent Garden Theatre. The music by JOHN WHITTAKER. Он! say not woman's heart is bought When first her gentle bosom knows |