Tiring Maid
(originally, the chorus goes after each verse but I've taken some out to shorten the song)

I am a lowly tiring maid and happy with my skill.
I always try my very best to do my lady's will.
But I've a mistress fair of face that knows quite well her worth.
She has more than anyone else - in clothes, tho' not in mirth.

Chorus:
Another gown, another hat.
Now lace me up, now tie my shoes
now what do you think of that.
Alas, alas, Oh I shall die for this will never do.
So, go into the closet - and bring me something new.

My lady never could attend a party or a ball.
For she could never quite decide what gown to wear at all.
But then one day she met a man from whom she'd never stray
And I did not look forward - to her wedding day.

The hall was decked with flowers to celebrate the day.
The crowd was all assembled and lutes began to play.
But I was in the closet that was strewn from hither to yon
with piles and piles of gowns that my lady had tried on.

Another gown, another hat.
Now lace me up, now tie my shoes
now what do you think of that.
Alas, alas, Oh I shall die for this will never do.
So, go into the closet - and bring me something new.

The lutes began to falter and the crowd began to moan.
My lady sent me down to see if I could stop the groan.
I'm really very sorry, but my lady bid me say:
That the bride cannot decide what gown to be married in today.

The groom he was a handsome man and saddened by his fate.
For he would not wed such a one as his prospective mate.
He took me gently by the hand and said be not afraid.
For I will drop the lady and wed the tiring maid.

Chorus:
Another gown, another hat.
Now lace me up, now tie my shoes
now what do you think of that.
I cannot find the tiring maid - oh this will never do.
So I'll go into the closet - and I'll find me something new.

By Karla Hood

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