33. The Lambs on the Green Hills Stood Gazing on Me

THE lambs on the green hills stood gazing on me,

And many strawberries grew round the salt sea,

And many a ship sailed the ocean.

And bride and bride’s party to church they did go,

The bride she rode foremost, she bears the best show,

But I followed after with my heart full of woe,

To see my love wed to another.

The first place I saw her ’twas in the church stand,

Gold rings on her finger and love by the hand,

Says I, “My wee lassie, I will be the man

Although you are wed to another.”

The next place I saw her was on the way home,

I ran on before her, not knowing where to roam,

Says I, “My wee lassie, I’ll be by your side

Although you are wed to another.”

The next place I saw her ’twas laid in bride’s bed,

I jumped in beside her and did kiss the bride;

“Stop, stop,” said the groomsman, “till I speak a word,

Will you venture your life on the point of my sword?

For courting so slowly you’ve lost this fair maid,

So begone, for you’ll never enjoy her.”

Oh, make my grave then both large, wide and deep,

And sprinkle it over with flowers so sweet,

And lay me down in it to take my last sleep,

For that’s the best way to forget her.