Crystal Spring

Down by a crystal spring where the nightingale sing,
Most pleasant it is in season to hear the groves ring.
Down by a riverside a young captain I espied
Entreating of his true love for to be his bride.
«Dear Phyllis,» says he, «Can you fancy me?
All in your soft bowers a crown it shall be.
And you shall take no pain, I will you maintain.
My ship she’s a-loaded, just come in from Spain.»
Wherever you dine there you shall dream of mine
And so sweetly in the season when you will be mine.
I do lay thee so well, I’ll maintain you so fair,
As no lady in the Navy with you can compare.
If ever I prove false to my soft little girl,
May the oceans turn desert and the elements move.
For wherever I shall be I’ll be constant to thee;
My heart is all over if I rove through the sea.
(Repeat first verse)
Acknowledgements