Oh where has my love gone, with his cheeks like roses?
He's gone across the sea gathering primroses.
Oh I'm afraid the shining sun might scorch and mar his beauty
And if I were with my love I would do my duty.
Strange news has come to town, strange news is carried.
Strange news runs up and down that my love is married.
Oh I wish them both great joy though they don't hear me
And if I were with my love I would do my duty.
Oh what did you promise me, when you lay beside me?
You said you'd marry me and not deny me.
If I said I'd marry you it was only to try you
So bring your witness love and I'll not deny you.
Oh witness have I none, save God Almighty.
And may He reward you well for the slighting of me.
And her lips grew pale and wan, and her poor heart to tremble,
For to think she'd loved but one and he'd proved deceitful.
Oh, a blacksmith courted me, nine months and better.
When he'd fairly won my heart he wrote me a letter.
With his hammer in his hand he looked so clever
And if I were with my love I would live forever.