The first time I saw my love, happy was I, I know not what love was, nor how to deny, But I made too much freedom of my loveʼs company, Saying my generous lover, youʼre welcome to me. So fare thee well, darling, I now must away, For I in this country no longer can stay; But keep your mind easy, and keep your heart free, Let no man be your sharer, my darling, but me. On this poor pretty creature, she stood on the ground. With her cheeks white as ivory, and the tears running down; Crying Jamie, dearest Jamie, you’re the first that eʼer wooed me, And I am sorry that I ever said, you’re welcome to me. О happy is the girl that ne’er loved a man, And easy can tie up a narrow waistband; She is free from all sorrow and sad misery, That never said, my lover, youʼre welcome to me. As I walked out one evening, In the springtime of the year; I overheard a soldier bold, Lamenting for his dear. For fourteen years transported, To the Indies I was bound; But to see the face of my one true love, My escape I lately found. Says I be not uneasy, Nor troubled in your mind; But tell to me your true loveʼs name, And her dwelling you shall find. He gave to me his true loveʼs name, A burning beauty bright; But if I should tell of her sad fate, Broad day would turn to night. Your true love lies a-sleeping, Her dwelling is the clay — For the slaying of her new-born babe, With her own life she did pay. He bowed his head and tore his hair, And with grief was near oʼer taʼen; Crying they’ve murdered thee my own true love — Through bushes and through briars, I lately took my way, All for to hear the small birds sing, And the lambs to sport and play. I overheard my own true love, His voice it was so clear: «Long time I have been waiting for The coming of my dear». Sometimes I am uneasy, And troubled in my mind, Sometimes I think Iʼll go to my love, And tell to him my mind. But if I should go unto my love, My love he may say nay, And if I show to him my boldness, Heʼll ne’er love me again. Through bushes and through briars, I lately took my way, All for to hear the small birds sing, And the lambs to sport and play.