I start this letter full of things to say but words seem to fail me in the writing down. My emotions for you are best expressed in song or silently with you in my arms. As you are not near -- a thing that I hope soon to correct -- I can only leave you with these words to warm the time while we are separate.
Winter winds cold and blea Chilly blows o'er the lea: Wander not out to me, Charles so fair, Wait in thy cottage free. I will be there.
Wait in thy cushioned chair Wi' thy white chest bare. Kisses are sweetest there: Leave it for me. Free from the chilly air I will meet thee.
How sweet can courting prove, How can I kiss my love Muffled in hat and glove From the chill air? Quaking beneath the grove, What love is there!
Lay by thy woollen vest, Drape no cloak o'er thy chest, Where my hand oft hath pressed Pin nothing there: Where my head droops to rest, Leave its bed bare.