Farewell to a Harrogate Maid

Fair Harrogate, beauty spot, wonderful Spa,
Attracting new–comers from near and from far,
To you I'm indebted in devious ways,
But for one gift essential I render thee praise.

'Twas here that I met her, fond maid of desire,
Whose beauty inspired me with Love's holy fire.
Those halcyon days in my memory remain,
But, alas ! the heart's joy is eclipsed by its pain.

Sweet rose of the morning and love of my heart,
The fates have decreed that our ways lie apart;
You return to your country, as queen to her throne,
And my soul, without comfort, is left here alone.

This sweet town of Yorkshire has given me joys,
But its fairest is tempered by sorrow's alloys;
I am derelict here, you have woven your spell,
In my heart there's a void in the time of farewell.

Should it be, oh dear soul–mate, that fate has decreed
We may never more meet, although great is my need,
I will pray, while I live, that each morning may see,
The blessings of Heaven descending on thee.

Farewell, bonnie maid, with those wonderful eyes,
Whose depths are reflecting the blue of God's skies,
In sorrow you leave me, my heart is bereft,
And sad recollection is all that is left.