-
Title
-
Mary, the gleaner
-
Singer
-
Unknown
-
Song Lyrics
-
Verse 1
Before the bright sun rises over the hill
In cornfields poor Mary is seen,
With patience her little apron to fill
With the few scattered ears she can glean.
Verse 2
She never leaves off, nor runs out of place
To play, to idle, or chat,
Except now and then to wipe her hot face,
Or to fan herself with her broad hat.
Verse 3
'Poor girl! hard at work in the heat of the sun,
How tired and worn you must be!
Why don't you leave off as the others have done,
And sit with them under the tree?'
Verse 4
'Oh, no! for my mother lies ill in her bed,
Too feeble to spin or to knit;
My poor little brothers are crying for bread
And yet she can't give them a bit.
Verse 5
How can I be merry, or idle at play
While they are so hungry and ill?
Oh, no! I would rather work hard all the day
My blue little apron to fill.'
