As I walked out one midsummer morning
For to view the fields and to take the air,
Down by the banks of the sweet prim-e-roses
There I beheld a most lovely fair.
Three long steps I stepp-ed up to her,
Not knowing her as she passed me by,
I stepp-ed up to her thinking for to view her,
She appeared to me like some virtuous bride.
I said, Fair maid, where are you going,
And what's the occasion for all your grief?
I will make you as happy as any Lady
If you will grant me once more a leave.
She said, Stand off, you are deceitful,
You are deceitful and a false young man,
It is you that's caused my poor heart for to wander,
And to give me comfort lies all in vain.
I'll go down in some lonesome valley
Where no man on earth shall e'er me find,
Where the pretty little small birds do change their voices,
And every moment blows blusterous winds.
Come all young men that go a-courting,
Pray pay attention to what I say.
There is many a dark and a cloudy morning
Turns out to be a sun-shiny day.