As I rode out one May morning
One May morning betimes
I met a maid, from home had strayed
All as the sun did shine

“What makes you rise so soon, my love
Your journey to pursue?
Your pretty little feet they tread so neat
Strike off the morning dew”

“I'm off to feed my father's flocks
His young and tender lambs
That over hills and over dales
Lie waiting for their dams”

“But stay, o stay, you handsome maid
And rest a moment here
For there is none but you alone
That I do love so dear”

“How gloriously the sun doth shine
How lovely is the air
I'd rather rest on my true love's breast
Than any other where”

“Now thou art mine and I am thine
And no man shall uncomfort me
We'll join our hands in wedlock bands
And married we shall be”