A blacksmith courted me nine months or better
He fairly won my heart, 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

Oh where has my love gone with his cheeks like roses
He is gone across the sea gathering primroses
I'm afraid the shining sun might burn and scorch his beauty
And if I were with my love I would do my duty

Strange news is a-come to town, strange news is carried
Strange news flies up and down that my love is married
Oh I wish them both much joy, though they don't hear me
And if I were with my love I would do my duty

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 twas 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
Her lips grew pale and wan, it made her poor heart tremble
For to think she had loved one and he proved deceitful