That Jenny's my friend, my delight, and my pride (Song VIII)

THAT Jenny's my friend, my delight, and my pride,
I always have boasted, and seek not to hide;
I dwell on her praises wherever I go:
They say I 'm in love, but I answer No, no.

At ev'ning oft'times with what pleasure I see
A note from her hand, "I 'll be with you at tea!"
My heart how it bounds when I hear her below!
But say not 't is love, for I answer No, no.

She sings me a song and I echo each strain,
Again I cry Jenny, sweet Jenny! again
I kiss her soft lips as if there I could grow,
And fear I 'm in love tho' I answer No, no.

She tells me her faults as she sits on my knee;
I chide her, and swear she 's an angel to me:
My shoulder she taps, and still bids me think so.
Who knows but she loves tho' she tells me No, no?

Yet such is my temper, so dull am I grown,
I ask not her heart but would conquer my own:
Her bosom's soft peace shall I seek to o'erthrow,
And wish to persuade while I answer No, no?

From beauty, and wit, and good humour, ah! why
Should Prudence advise and compel me to fly?
Thy bounties O Fortune! make haste to bestow,
And let me deserve her or still I say No.