One day as I was walking and walking all alone I heard a young couple a making their mourn. Said the older one to the fonder one: - Bonnie lass, I must away, For the king he has commanded us, And his orders I must obey.
- Oh false thou are your promises, when first you were my love, To keep me ever at your side, though far you should roam. Pity on me take do not me forsake, For great is my awe, Through France and Spain Bonny Ireland Along with you I'll go.
- I fear the treacherous journey, bitter cold and burning heat, Rough roads and stoney mountains they will wound your tender feet, And to your kinsmen to you will prove untrue If from them you go, For maids must bide at their parents side While men do fight the foe.
- I fear no parents anger nor any daring foe, Since I have resolved along with you to go. Through rain and snow and through weir or woe I'll prove kind as you'll see, While the drums do beat and the trumpets sound At the wars of high Germany.