I’ve been a foreign lander Full seven long years and more Among the bold commanders Where the thundering canons roar I’ve conquered all my enemies Both all on land and sea It is my dearest jewel Your beauty has conquered me
If I should build a ship my love Without the wood of tree That ship would burst asunder If I prove false to thee If ever I prove false, my love The elements will turn The fire will freeze to ice, my love, The sea will rage and burn
Do you remember Queen Ellen All in her flowery reign As she walked out of her paradise To cleanse the golden chain Her beauty and behavior None with her could compare But you my dearest darling Are more divinely fair
I wish I was a turtledove Just fluttering from my nest I’d sing so clear in the morning With the dew all on my breast So sweetly would be the music So doleful and sad the tune I would sing so clear in the morning In the beautiful month of June
I wish I was ten thousand mile All on some lonesome shore Or among the rocky mountains Where the wild beasts howl and roar The lark, the lilly owl, the eagle And the little swallow too I would give them all, my dearest love If I was married to you.