How Cruel Are The Parents

how cruel are the parents

altered from an old english song.

tune—“john anderson, my jo.”

how cruel are the parents

who riches only prize,

and to the wealthy booby

poor woman sacrifice!

meanwhile, the hapless daughter

has but a choice of strife;

to shun a tyrant father's hate—

bee a wretched wife.

the ravening hawk pursuing,

the trembling dove thus flies,

to shun impelling ruin,

awhile her pinions tries;

till, of escape despairing,

no shelter or retreat,

she trusts the ruthless faler,

and drops beh his feet.