A blacksmith courted me nine months or better
He bravely won my heart, wrote me a letter
With his hammer in his hand, he looked quite clever
And if I was with my love, I'd live forever
But where is my love gone with his cheeks like roses
And his good black billycock on, all crowned with primroses?
I'm afraid the scorching sun will shine and burn his beauty
And if I was with my love, I'd do my duty
Strange news has come to town, strange news is carried
Strange news flies up and down that my love, he's married
I wish them both much joy though they can't hear me
And may God reward them well for the slighting of me
"Don't you remember well when you lay beside me
And you said you'd marry me and not deny me?"
"If I said I'd marry you, it was only for to try you
So bring your witness, love, and I'll not deny you"
"Oh witness have I none, save God Almighty
And may He reward you well for the slighting of me"
Her lips grew pale and wan, it made her poor heart tremble
To think she loved a one and he proved deceitful