I once loved a maid and I loved her so well
That I hated all others who spoke of her ill;
And now she's rewarded me well for my pains
For she's gone to be wed to another.
I saw my love to the church go
With her maids and bride maidens she made a fine show;
And I followed on with my heart full of woe
For she's to be wed to another.
Then I saw my love sit down to dine
Well I sat down beside her, I poured out her wine
And I drank to the girl that should have been mine
But she was now wed to another
The boys of the forest they ask it of me
How many strawberries grow in the salt sea?
And I ask it them back with a tear in my eye
How many ships sail in the forest?
Go dig me a grave, let you dig it so deep
And cover it over with flowers so sweet;
And close my poor eyelids forever in sleep
And maybe in d**h I'll forget her