Classic Poem

When first in this country a stranger,
Curiosity caused me to roam
Through Europe to ramble all over,
So I left Philadelphia, my home.
To England I quickly sailed over
Where forms of great beauty did shine.
'Twas there I beheld a fair damsel
And wished in my heart she was mine.

Three steps and I stepped up to her,
Her fair cheeks did blush like a rose.
I said, " Now my charming fair creature,
Your guardian I'll be if you choose."
" Kind sir, oh I ne'er want a guardian,
Young man, you're a stranger to me,
And yonder my father is coming
On the green mossy banks of the Lee."

I waited till up came her father.
I plucked up my spirits once more.
I said, " Kind sir, if this is your daughter,
Why she is the girl I adore.
Ten thousand a year is my fortune,
Your daughter a lady shall be.
She shall ride in her chariot and horses
On the green mossy banks of the Lee."

Then they welcomed me home to their cottage
And soon we were in wedlock joined,
And there I erected a castle
In grandeur and splendour to shine.
So now this American stranger
All pleasure and pastime doth see
With the adorable gentle Matilda
On the green mossy banks of the Lee.