Young John

A fair made stood in her bower door
A-wringing her lily hands
And by there came a sprightly youth
Fast tripping over the strands

“Oh, where are you going, young John,” she says
“So early in the day?
It makes me think by your fast step
Your journey's far away”

He turned around with a dreadful look
And said, “What's that to you?
I'm off to see a lovely girl
I love far better than you”

“Now since you've played me thus false, love
In summer mid the flowers
So I will pay you back again
In winter mid the showers”

“But again, dear love, and again, dear love
Will you not turn again?
For as you look to other women
So shall I to other men”

“Go make your choice of whom you please
Or I my choice will have”
“I've chosen a maid more fair than you
I never will deceive”

She's gathered up her gay clothing
And after him rode she
But still he bade her turn again
No farther go with him

And the first town that they came into
He bought her a muff and gloves
But still he bade her turn again
And choose some other loves

“But again, dear love, and again, dear love
Will you not turn again?
Alas for loving you so well
And you not me again”

The next town that they came into
He bought her a blazing ring
But still he bade her turn again
No further ride with him

“But again, dear love, and again, dear love
Will you not turn again?
Alas for loving you so well
And you not me again”

The next town that they came into
His heart it grew more warm
And he was as deep in love with her
As she was over again

And the last town that they came into
He bought her a wedding gown
And so she was as happy a lady
As ever the sun shone on