[San Toy:]
As I'm a China maid,
And you're an Englishman,
How are you to carry
Me off if we marry?
I don't see how you can.
[Bobbie:]
You needn't feel afraid
For like a vase or cup,
I'll pack you completely
And label you neatly
With "China, this side up."
[San Toy:]
And so I'll go
Far over the sea
If you are with me
To guard from dangers
Of storm and strangers
Your little collection of China.
[Both: (Bobbie's words)]
I vow, I vow,
To love you as I do now,
And I'll endeavour
To keep for ever
My little China maid.
[San Toy:]
But when you have me there,
Entirely to yourself,
You'll shatter your passion
In porcelain fashion,
Or leave me on the shelf.
[Bobbie:]
By all the Gods I swear
That I'll be always true;
Though Dresden or Sevres
May court me for ever,
I'll stick to Nankin blue.
[San Toy:]
And so I'll go
Far over the sea
If you are with me
To guard from dangers
Of storm and strangers
Your little collection of China.
[Both: (San Toy's words)]
Ah, vow
To love me as you do now,
Nor regret the price that you paid
When you would buy
(I cannot tell why)
Your own little China maid.