You muses assist me,
there is none can resist me
save only that fair one
whom I do adore.
And the more
that they tease me
the more he would please me,
he'll be my greenwood laddie
til time is no more.
Have you seen my dearest
whose eyes shine the clearest,
whose lips like the red blood
new dropped in the snow.
He is neat tall and handsome,
his arms warm and gentle,
he'll be my greenwood laddie
til time is no more.
My parents my dearling,
they slight you with scorn
because you have no riches
wrapped up in a store.
But the more that they slight you
the more I'll entice you
to be my greenwood laddie
til time is no more.
T'was down in yonder bower
I spent many hours,
a-plucking wild flowers
on you widing shore.
T'was his stolen kissed
caused my fondest wishes.
He'll be my greenwood laddie
whom I'd always adore.
If I had the riches
of the east or west indies,
or if I had the gold
of African shore,
or if I could gain thousands
Iwould lie in your sweet arms
and you'd be my greenwood laddie
til time is no more.
