| The Maid in Bedlam This was a very popular song of the mid to late 18th century. It was especially so in England, where a popular pastime was to visit madhouses. Observers would pay as much as a penny admission to observe the antics of the insane inmates, Bedlam being one of the most popular institutions. Bedlam was the nickname for St. Bartholomew's mental hospital. _______________________________________________________________ One morning very early, one morning in the Spring, I heard a maid in Bedlam, who mournfully did sing; Her chains she rattl'd on her hands, while sweetly thus did sing, I love my love, because I know, my love loves me. Oh! cruel were his parents, who sent my love to sea; And cruel, cruel, was the ship that bore my love from me, Yet I love his parents, since they're his, although they've ruin'd me; For I love my love, because I know, my love loves me. Oh should it please the pitying pow'rs, to call me to the sky, I'd claim a guardian angel's charge, around my love to fly, For to guard him from all dangers, how happy should I be! For I love my love, because I know, my love loves me. I'll make a strawy garland, I'll make it wonderous fine, With roses, lilies, daisies, I'll mix with eglantine: And I'll present it to my love, when he returns from sea: For I love my love, because I know, my love loves me. O if I were a little bird, to build upon his breast; Or if I were a nightingale, to sing my love to rest; To gaze upon his lovely eyes, all my reward should be; For I love my love, because I know, my love loves me. O if I were an eagle, to soar into the sky, I'd gaze around, with piercing eyes, where I my love might spy; But ah! unhappy maiden, that love you ne'er shall see; For I love my love, because I know, my love loves me. |
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