When I last came to Gasworth

When I last came to Gasworth

When I last came to Gasworth

In the middle of last May

I spied a lass who spied me

Going on her way

Her flaxen hair was neither sandy

Nor impertinently unkept

It mirrored the afternoon Sun

Perfectly brushed and perfectly swept

She introduced herself as Millicent

And I as Thomas Marlay

I inquired as to her destination

On this magnificent day

I might travel where thou dost go

If ye go with me

I have need for secure passage

To remain young and free

So I turned as she turned

Toward the setting Sun

Twas not the destination I would choose

But the choosing was not yet done

I learned of her past

I learned of her dreams

I learned of who would ruin both

I learned of their schemes

A single girl away from home

Makes an easy mark

But a married woman with her beau

Emits ideas that spark

I didn’t require more lecturing,

Reasoning, or the lot

Her dowry consisted of a single pledge

She gave as good as she got

Next year, I sojourned to Gasworth

In a carriage built for three

A Lord, his Lady,

And a daughter as a family