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Bundling Song Adam at first was formed of dust As we find on record; And did receive a wife call'd Eve, By a creative word. From Adam's side a crooked bride, We find complete in form; Ordained that they in bed might lay, And keep each other warm. To court indeed they had no need She was his wife at first, And she was made to be his aid, Whose origin was dust. This new made pair full happy were, And happy might remained, If his helpmeet had never eat The fruit that was restrained. Tho' Adam's wife destroyed his life In manner that is awful; Yet marriage now we all allow To be both just and lawful. And now a days there is two ways, Which of the two is right: To lie between sheets sweet and clean Or sit up all the night. But some suppose bundling in clothes The good and wise doth vex; Then let me know which way to go To court the fairer sex. Whether they must be hugg'd and buss'd When sitting up all night; Or whether they in bed may lay, Which doth reason invite? Nature's request, is give me rest, Our bodies seek repose; Night is the time, and 'tis no crime To bundle in our clothes. Since in a bed a man and maid May bundle and be chaste; It doth no good to burn up wood It is a needless waste. Let coat and shift be turned adrift, And breeches take their flight, An honest man and virgin can Lay quiet all the night. But if there be dishonesty Implanted in the mind, Breeches nor smocks, nor scarce padlock The rage of lust can bind. Kate, Nance and Sue proved just and true, Tho' bundling did practice; But Ruth [was] beguil'd and proved with child Who bundling did despise. Whores will be whores, and on the floor Where many has been laid To sit and smoke and ashes poke Won't keep awake a maid. Bastards are not at all times got In feather beds we know The strumpet's oath convinces both Oft times it is not so. One whorish dame, I fear to name Lest I should give offense But in this town she was took down Not more than eight months since. She was the first that on snow crust I ever knew to gender; I'll hint no more about this whore For fear I should offend her. 'Twas on the snow when Sol was low, And was in Capricorn A child was got, and it will not Be long ere it is born. Now onto those who do oppose The bundling trade, I say Perhaps there's more got on the floor Than any other way. In ancient books no knowledge is Of these things to be got; Whether young men did bundle then, Or whether they did not. Since ancient book says wife they took, It don't say how they courted; Whether young men did bundle then, Or by the fire sported. They only meant to say they sent A man to choose a bride; Isaac was so, but let me know, If any one beside. Men don't pretend to trust a friend To choose him sheep or cows; Much more a wife whom all his life He does expect to house. Since it doth stand each one in hand To happyfy his life; I would advise each to be wise, And choose a prudent wife. Since bundling is not a thing That judgment will procure; Go on young men and bundle then But keep your bodies pure. From Jim Douglas, Contentment, The Complete Nutmeg State Songster, Broadside 1786 Connecticut air added: There was a Jolly Miller (Douglas?) bundling was a New England practice of bedding a courting couple with a board between them (sometimes) [in medieval romances a naked sword blade was placed between the couple, SOF] SOF
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