As I walked out on an evening so clear
A young man lamented for the loss of his dear
And as he lamented, full sore he did cry
Saying,"'Alas, I'm tormented, for love I must die."

"My dear and my jewel, my honey," said he
"Will you let me gang wi'you a sweetheart to be?
And my dear and my jewel, my honey," said he
"Will you let me gang wi'you a sweetheart to be?"

"Were I to say yes, I would say 'gainst my mind
And for to say no, you would think I was unkind
For to sit and say nothing, you would say I was dumb
So take that for your answer and go as you come."

"Oh, pox take you, Sally, for you are unkind
You pulled the lily, left the red rose behind
But the lily will yellow, and the time will come soon
When the red rose will flourish in the sweet month of June."

"Oh, some court for beauty, but beauty soon fades
Others marry for riches, get bold saucy jades
But if I ever marry, as plain as you may see
The wee lass that's loyal is the darling for me."