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—

    become 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 falconer,

    and drops beneath his feet.