Generous Lover

O, the first time I saw my love, happy was I
I knew not what love was or how to deny
So I made too much freedom of my love’s company
Saying, my generous lover, you’re welcome to me
My friends and relations, they angry are all
Because I went with you from my father’s fine hall
But my friends, my relations, let them all angry be
For my generous lover, you’re welcome to me
He said, now my darling, it’s I must away
For I no longer in this country can stay
So keep your mind easy, love, keep your heart free
And let no man be thy sharer, my darling, but me
This poor pretty creature she turned herself round
With her cheeks white as ivory and tears pouring down
Jimmy, dear Jimmy, you’re the first one e’er wooed me
And I’m sorry now I ever said 'You're welcome to me
O, happy’s the girl that ne’er loved a man
She may easy tie up her narrow waistband
She’s free from all sorrow, all sad misery
That never said, my lover, you’re welcome to me