A new song to an old tune. <br /> <br /> <br />AWAY to the pic-nic at Ryton, away <br /> Went off in the sunrise our younkers pell-mell— <br />And many were bonny and many were gay, <br /> But sweetest of any was Barbara Bell. <br /> <br />Chorus.—As sweet as a cherry was Barbara Bell, <br /> Both tricksy and merry was Barbara Bell; <br /> Tho' others that day were bonny and gay— <br /> The Queen of the charmers was Barbara Bell. <br /> <br />Nan Harley was there, her locks in the sun <br /> Did sparkle and burn, yet woful to tell, <br />No spoils by her long yellow tresses were won— <br /> The lads only hankered for Barbara Bell. <br /> <br /> Chorus:—As sweet as a cherry was Barbara Bell, etc. <br /> <br />Meg Wilson came up, her eyes black as jet— <br /> And tho' at a fair oft ruled by their spell, <br />Meg fail'd even one rosy apple to get— <br /> No pickings were there but for Barbara Bell. <br /> <br /> Chorus:—As sweet as a cherry was Barbara Bell, etc. <br /> <br />Nell Dewey appeared, in her dimples adorned, <br /> The rose of the roses was she on the Fell; <br />But somehow this rose to a daffodil turn'd <br /> That moment she glided near Barbara Bell. <br /> <br /> Chorus:—As sweet as a cherry was Barbara Bell, etc. <br /> <br />The lovely and young, they danced and they sung, <br /> Till down came the night and darkened the dell; <br />When homeward they hied—a star for their guide— <br /> And who was that star saving Barbara Bell. <br /> <br />Chorus.—As sweet as a cherry was Barbara Bell, <br /> Both tricksy and merry was Barbara Bell, <br /> Tho' others that day were bonny and gay <br /> The Queen of the charmers was Barbara Bell.<br /><br />Joseph Skipsey<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/barbara-bell/
