Which Will You Have, My Pretty Maid - song lyrics 
American Old-time song lyrics from www.traditionalmusic.co.uk 
Which Will You Have, My Pretty Maid? Copyright, 1892, by F. Harding. Words by W. C. Robey. Music by Wm. Loraine. 
I slept on a bank by the side of a stream; Whilst sleeping I had a most beautiful dream: An old and a young man came close to my side And said they were both looking out for a bride; The old man had money, the young man had none; I thought and I pondered on what could be done; My dream seemed as real as the brightness of day-In fact, I distinctly could hear them both say: 
Chorus. Which will you have, my pretty maid? which is It going to be? Here is a bag that's filled with love, and this one is golden, you see; Balance them both in the scale, my girl; what do you mean to dor Money or love, old or young, which will you have of the two? 
I felt so surprised at the sight I beheld. Though fear from my mind was entirely dispelled, I looked at the old man and then at the young, And found I had lost the whole use of my tongue; I had to choose one, so I married the old; I bartered my youth in exchange for his gold; The young man looked sad, I could see he was true; If you were in my place, now what would you do?- Chorus. 
I dreamt we were wed-what a beautiful sight-But, to my dismay, I discovered ere long He had but one eye, with a false leg and arm; I rushed from the room in the greatest alarm. Said he, you knew well I was withered and old, Refusing the young man, you married my gold; I awoke with a start from my vision to screamI'd rolled down the bank and fell into the stream.- Chorus.