'Twas once upon a time,
When Jenny Wren was young,
So daintily she danced,
And so prettily she sung,
Robin Redbreast lost his heart,
He was a gallant bird.
So he doffed his hat to Jenny Wren,
Requesting to be heard.
"Oh, dearest Jenny Wren,
If you will but be mine,
You shall feed on cherry pie,
And drink new currant wine,
I'll dress you like a goldfinch
Or any peacock gay,
So, dearest Jen, if you'll be mine,
Let us appoint the day."
Jenny blushed behind her
fan
And thus declared her mind:
"Since, dearest Bob, I love you well,
I'll take your offer kind.
Cherry pie is very nice,
And so is currant wine,
But I must wear my plain brown gown,
And never go too fine."
Robin Redbreast got up early,
All at the break of day,
He flew to Jenny Wren's house
And sang a roundelay;
He sang of Robin Redbreast,
And pretty Jenny Wren,
And when he came unto the end,
He then began again.