Poems and Songs :: :: University of Virginia Library

As I crossed the fields with my milking pail,
In a May morning, early,
A bright-eyed lad came along the vale,
And said that he loved me dearly;
He woo'd me in whispers, with many a vow;
He kissed me, and said he would marry, I trow;
I wish in my heart he was here just now,
In a May morning, early.

II

I shall never forget that sweet spring-tide,
In a May morning, early;
Nor the wild-bird's song on that greenwood side,
In a May morning, early;

I shall never forget what my love did say;
Nor the light of his blue eyes' witching play;
Nor the path along which he walked away,
In a May morning, early.

III

Now I pace the fields with many a sigh,
In a May morning, early;
And I gaze down the vale with a tearful eye,
In a May morning, early;
And, should I not see my love before
The winter has whitened the hedges o'er,
The flowers of spring will bloom no more
For me, in a morning early!