The Dark-Eyed Gentleman

I     I pitched my day's leazings in Crimmercrock Lane,     To tie up my garter and jog on again,     When a dear dark-eyed gentleman passed there and said,     In a way that made all o' me colour rose-red,      "What do I see -      O pretty knee!"     And he came and he tied up my garter for me. II     'Twixt sunset and moonrise it was, I can mind:     Ah, 'tis easy to lose what we nevermore find! -     Of the dear stranger's home, of his name, I knew nought,     But I soon knew his nature and all that it brought.      Then bitterly      Sobbed I that he     Should ever have tied up my garter for me! III     Yet now I've beside me a fine lissom lad,     And my slip's nigh forgot, and my days are not sad;     My own dearest joy is he, comrade, and friend,     He it is who safe-guards me, on him I depend;      No sorrow brings he,      And thankful I be     That his daddy once tied up my garter for me!