There was one a-riding grand On a tall brown mare And a fine gold band He brought me there A little, gold band He held to me That would shine on a hand For the world to see There was one a-walking swift To a little, new song And a rose was the gift He carried along First of all the posies Dewy and red They that have roses Never need bread There was one with a swagger And a soft, slow tongue And a bright, cold dagger Where his left hand swung Craven and gilt
Old and bad And his stroking of the hilt Set a girl mad There was one a-riding grand As he rode from me And he raised his golden band And he threw it in the sea There was one a-walking slow To a sad, Iong sigh And his rose drooped low And he flung it down to die There was one with a swagger And a little, sharp pride And a bright, cold dagger Ever at his side At his side it stayed When he ran to part What is this blade Struck through my heart?