How to Ask and Have

Samuel Lover (1797–1868)

“OH, ’t is time I should talk to your mother,

Sweet Mary,” says I.

“Oh, don’t talk to my mother,” says Mary,

Beginning to cry:

“For my mother says men are deceivers,

And never, I know, will consent;

She says girls in a hurry who marry

At leisure repent.”

“Then suppose I would talk to your father,

Sweet Mary,” says I.

“Oh, don’t talk to my father,” says Mary,

Beginning to cry:

“For my father, he loves me so dearly,

He ’ll never consent I should go—

If you talk to my father,” says Mary,

“He ’ll surely say ‘No.’”

“Then how shall I get you, my jewel?

Sweet Mary,” says I.

“If your father and mother ’s so cruel,

Most surely I ’ll die!”

“Oh, never say die, dear,” says Mary:

“A way now to save you I see:

Since my parents are both so contrary—

You ’d better ask me.”