It's of a rich nobleman lately, we hear;
He had but one daughter, most beautiful, fair;
And she was ador-ed, most beautiful child,
A blooming young damsel that has me beguiled.

Her father being dead, and she at her ease,
To gaze on her work folks did ride in their chaise;
Till at length a young plughboy came whisteling by,
And on this young ploughboy she fix-ed her eye.

Great raptures of love this young lady did show,
To gaze on his beauty to the fields she did go;
When he whistles so sweetly he made the groves ring,
And his cheeks were like roses that bloom in the Spring.

Then she and her maid, they agreed both to go
And dress themselves up in some regimental clothes,
With broad-sword in hand, they marched through the grove
To press this young ploughboy with a warrant of love.

Then, with this love letter she had in her hand:
"Here's an order for sea without more demand!
No cares, and no troubles, great bounty you'll take,
No danger on sea, you your fortune will make!"

 Then in a close room this young man was confined
Till she chang-ed her dress; then she told him her mind.
Then like an angel for beauty did appear,
And said "I'll prove true to thee, ploughboy so dear."

Now married this loving young couple they were,
In a sweet country life, and free from all care.
No cares and no troubles shall e'er them annoy,
They'll be happily blest with a fountain of joy.



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Source: Broadwood, L, 1908, English Traditional Songs and Carols, London, Boosey

Notes:
Sung by Mr Grantham, 1892.

 



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