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
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 [bad word] love
Seven more since I did him see
And seven more I will wait upon him
But if he's alive, [bad word] 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 [bad word] 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 [bad word] love and single sailor
Who came o'er the sea for to wed with thee"

"If you're my [bad word] 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?"