To Mi Own True Luv Poem by William Baron

Aw know a wench wi' soft blue een
'At dart forth luvvin' glances ;
An' it's hur aw'd like to mek mi queen,
For mi soul hoo fair entrances.
An' theaw knows th' wench aw meean, full weel,
For i'th' lookin'-glass theaw'll see hur;
No happiness i' life aw feel,
Exceptin' when aw'm wi' hur.

To speyk eawt plain, it's thee thisel,
An' theaw knew it at th' beginnin';
Aw'm captured, but aw'll ne'er rebel,
For th' captor is so winnin'.
We're in luv's bondage for a start,
An aw'd think it no disaster
If th' parson hed to act his part,
An' tee us booath up faster.

This weddin'-ring's thi valentine,
Sooa put it on thi finger;
An' promise me 'at theaw'll be mine -
Wi th' answer dunnot linger.
Asleep, or wakken, or wheer aw be,
Aw'm allus thinkin' abeawt tha :
Aw'd sooner live on dry crust wi' thee,
Nor on ham an' eggs witheawt tha!

Modern Update by JS

I know a lass with eyes that shine
That dart forth loving glances;
and it's her that I would make mine
For my soul she fair entrances.
And you know the lass I mean, full well,
For in the mirror you daily see her;
No happiness in my life can dwell,
Except when I am with her.

To speak out plain, it's you yourself,
And you knew it from the beginning;
I am captured, but I'll not rebel,
For the captor is so winning.
We're in love's bondage for a start,
And I'd think it no disaster
If the vicar had to act his part,
And bind us that much faster.

This wedding ring's your valentine,
So place it on your finger;
And promise me that you'll be mine -
Answer quick and do not linger.
Asleep, or waking, or wherever I be,
I am always thinking of you:
I'd sooner live on dry bread with thee,
Than ham and eggs without you!