The Ruined Maid

Lyrics

"O 'Melia, my dear, this does everything crown! Who could have supposed I should meet you in Town? And whence such fair garments, such prosperi-ty?" — "O didn't you know I'd been ruined?" said she — "You left us in tatters, without shoes or socks Tired of digging potatoes, and spudding up docks; And now you've gay bracelets and bright feathers three!" — "Yes: that's how we dress when we're ruined," said she — "At home in the barton you said thee' and thou,' And thik oon,' and theäs oon,' and t'other'; but now Your talking quite fits 'ee for high compa-ny!" — "Some polish is gained with one's ruin," said she — "Your hands were likе paws then, your face blue and blеak But now I'm bewitched by your delicate cheek And your little gloves fit as on any la-dy!" — "We never do work when we're ruined," said she — "You used to call home-life a hag-ridden dream And you'd sigh, and you'd sock; but at present you seem To know not of megrims or melancho-ly!" — "True. One's pretty lively when ruined," said she — "I wish I had feathers, a fine sweeping gown And a delicate face, and could strut about Town!" — "My dear — a raw country girl, such as you be Cannot quite expect that. You ain't ruined," said she