It being early in the spring
I went on board to serve my king
Leaving my dearest dear behind
She oftimes swore her heart was mine
As I lay smiling in her arms
I thought I held ten thousand charms
With embraces kind and a kiss so sweet
Saying We'll be married when next we meet
As I was sailing on the sea
I took a kind opportunity
Of writing letters to my dear
But scarce one word from her did hear
As I was walking up London Street
I shoved a letter from under my feet
Straight lines being wrote without any blot
Saying seldom seen is soon forgot
I went up to her father's hall
And for my dearest dear did call
She's married, sir, she's better for life
For she has become a rich man's wife
If the girl is married, whom I adore
I'm sure I'll stay on land no more
Straight lines being wrote without any blot
Saying seldom seen is soon forgot
So come young lads take a warn from me
If in love you'll ever be
For love is patient,love is kind
Just never leave your love behind
It being early in the spring
I went on board to serve my king
Leaving my dearest dear behind
She oftimes swore her heart was mine