The Blacksmith

O, a blacksmith courted me five months and better
Ah, he fairly won my heart — wrote me a letter;
With his hammer in his hand he looked quite clever
And if I were with my love I would live for ever
O, where is my love now with his cheeks like roses
And his big black billy-cock on, decked around with primroses?
I’m afraid the scorching sun might burn and spoil his beauty
And if I were with my love I would do my duty
Strange news is come to town; strange news is carried
Strange news flies up and down that my love is married
Well I wish them both much joy, though they can’t hear me
And may God reward them well for the slighting of me
«Do you remember when you lay beside me
And you said you’d marry me? Do not deny me.»
«If I said I’d marry you it was only for to try you:
So bring your witness love and I’ll not deny you.»
«Oh, witness have I none, save God almighty;
And may he reward you well for the slighting of me.»
O, her cheeks grew pale and wan and it caused her heart to tremble
To think she loved the one and he proved deceitful
…he proved deceitful
…and he proved deceitful
O, a blacksmith courted me
O, a blacksmith courted me five months
Five months, five months