Bedforshire May Day Carol

I have been rambling all the night
And the best part of the day
And now I am returning back again
I have brought you a branch of may

A branch of may my dear I say
Before your door I stand
It's nothing but a sprout but it's well-budded out
By the work of Our Lord's hands

Go down in your dairy and fetch me a cup
A cup of your sweet cream
And if I should live to tarry the town
I'll call on you next year

The hedges and fields they are so green
As green as any leaf
Our Heavenly Father waters them
With His heavenly dew so sweet

When I am dead and in my grave
And covered with cold clay
The nightingale will sit and sing
And pass the time away

Take a Bible in your hand
And read a chapter through
And when the Day of Judgement comes
The Lord will think on you

I have a bag on my right arm
Drawn with silken string
And nothing does it want but a little silver
To line it well within

And now my song is almost done
I can no longer stay
God bless you all, both great and small
I wish you a joyful May