Fair young maid all in a garden
Strange young man, passerby
He said "Fair maid, will you marry me?"
This answer was her reply:

Oh, no, kind sir, I cannot marry thee
For I've a love who sails all on the sea
He's been gone these seven years
Still no man shall marry me

What if he's in some battle slain
Or if he's drowned in the deep salt sea
What if he's found another love
And he and his love both married be

Well, if he's in some battle slain
I will die when the moon doth wane
And if he's drowned in the deep salt sea
I'll be true to his memory

And if he's found another love
And he and his love both married be
I'll wish them health and happiness
Where they dwell across the sea

He picked her up all in his arms
And kisses gave her: One, two, and three
Said, weep no more, my own true love
I am your long lost John Riley