Traditional
Don’t You Be Foolish, Pray
[Verse 1]
Now Hodge met Molly, the miller's maid
Who long his suit denied
And, half inclined, half afraid
He did scratch his old head and cry
"Now Molly, while I love you so
Why still our hearts deny?
Come hang it, and to the parson go—
And now don't you be foolish, pray!"

[Verse 2]
And Molly with an artful blush
That shamed the rose's hue
She cried to Hodge, "I pray you hush
And I pray you speak softly, do
We will be overhead, I know
The mill won't work today
And so, dear Hodge, let go of my hand
And now don't you be foolish, pray!"

[Verse 3]
And Hodge, thus chided at a stand
He says, "Well then, goodbye
I'm going to give young Susan my hand
Since now you do cast off I
"Me cast you off?" cries Molly, "No!
The mill won't work today
And so, dear Hodge, to church we'll go
And now don't you be foolish, pray!"