Now, all the world is green and bright 
 Outside the latticed pane; 
The fields are decked with gold and white, 
 And Spring has come again. 
But though the world be fair without, 
 With flow'rs and waving trees, 
'Tis pleasanter to be about 
 Where Nell's a-shelling peas. 

Her eyes are blue as cloudless skies, 
 And dimples deck her cheeks; 
Whilst soft lights loiter in her eyes 
 Whene'er she smiles or speaks. 
So all the sunlit morning-tide 
 I dally at mine ease, 
To loaf at slender Nelly's side 
 When Nell's a-shelling peas. 

This bard, who sits a-watching Nell, 
 With fingers white and slim, 
Owns up that, as she breaks each shell, 
 She also "breaks up" him; 
And could devoutly drop upon 
 Submissive, bended knees 
To worship Nell with apron on - 
 A saint a-shelling peas. 

The tucked-up muslin sleeves disclose 
 Her round arms white and bare - 
'Tis only "shelling peas" that shows 
 Those dainty dimples there. 
Old earth owns many sights to see 
 That captivate and please; - 
The most bewitching sight for me 
 Is Nell a-shelling peas.