There was a maid in her father's garden And a gentleman, he came passing by He stood awhile to gaze upon her And he said, "Fair maid, would you fancy I?"
"But I'm not a lady, I'm a poor girl A poor man's daughter of low degree Therefore, young man, find some other sweetheart For your servant maid I'm not fit to be
It's seven years since I had a true love Seven more since I did him see And seven more I will wait upon him But if he's alive, he'll come back to me
If he's sick, I will wish him better If he's dead, I will wish him rest But if he's alive, I will wait upon him He's the only young man I do love best"
"It's seven years since you had a true love Seven more since you did him see And seven more you will wait upon him Perhaps that young man you ne'er will see"
He put a hand down in his pocket His gentle fingers, they were thin and small And up between them he pulled a gold ring And when she saw it, she down did fall
He picked her up all in his arms And gave her kisses most tenderly Saying, "I'm your true love and single sailor Who came o'er the sea for to wed with thee"
"If you're my true love and single sailor Your gentle features, they look strange to me But seven years makes great alterations O'er the raging seas between you and me"
There was a maid in her father's garden And a gentleman, he came passing by He stood awhile to gaze upon her And he said, "Fair maid, would you fancy I?"