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O as I was a-walking down by yon mill-town, |
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The fair and lovely mountains they did me surround; ' |
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Twas there |
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I saw a fair maid, and to me she looked grand; |
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She was plucking wild roses on the banks of the |
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Bann. So I stepped up to this fair one, and to her |
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I did say, "Since nature has formed us for to meet on this day -- Since nature has formed us, won't you give me your hand, And we will walk together on the banks of the Bann." |
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Now it being a summer's evening and a fine quiet place, |
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I knew by the blushes that appeared on her face.... |
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We both lay down together unto a bed of sand, |
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And she rolled into my arms on the banks of the |
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Bann. "O young man, you have wronged me; won't you tell me your name, That when my babe is born I may give it the same?" "My name is Willie Archer, and I'd have you understand That my home and habitation lie close by the Bann. " |
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But I cannot marry you, for apprenticed |
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I'm bound |
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To the spinning and the weaving in |
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Rathfriland town. |
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But when my time is over |
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I will give you my hand |
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And we will be married on the banks of the |
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Bann." So come all you fair maidens, take warning by me: Don't go out a-courting at one, two, or three. Don't go out a-courting so late if you can, Or you'll meet with Willie Archer on the banks of the Bann. |
