HAYMAKING TIME

After the haymaking we have a good time.
Down in the meadow boys and girls do play
Those age old games that can bring love divine,
Or so they think.

Merry wives do flirt and lift up the skirt
Of a dress, as a temptress, at haymaking time.
The sun shines high on this merry scene,
And old Tom looks on in the hope of a
Glance of a stocking leg that he has not seen
Since last haymaking time,
Or so they think.

Old Jenny they say do put it about at haymaking time,
But surely she’s past it now she’s gone in the head,
But she has a sly wink that the boy’s do enjoy, and
And after a cider or two why they start to think she is fine
At haymaking time, but then youth will forgive
Or  so they think.

Mary’s the one they are all rutting for, cos’ she
Has a bosom that raises their ire when competing
For her charms, they often come to blows
At haymaking time, but she looks on, her cherry
Red lips held in a smile, that whilst contented, has a
Sly twist as if she will give only to the best,
Or so they think.

The long scythes that cut the green grass are now put away,
And brown faced old men quaff down their ale
In the bar of the Bull, at haymaking time.
The have long had their fling and time to reflect on
Young loves deceit and the wiles of young girls.
And now laugh and joke at how foolish the young seem
And in their cups become wiser with each passing drink,
Or so they think.