The False Bride

I courted a bonny girl for many's the day
And hated all people who against her did say
But now she's rewarded me well for my pains
For she's gone to get tied to another
The week before Easter, the morn bright and clear
When the sun it shone brightly and clean blew the air
I went down to the forest to gather fine flowers
But the forest won't yield me no roses
The first time I saw my love it was to the church go
The bride and the bridegroom they cut a fine show
While I followed after, my heart full of woe
For to see my love tied to another
The parson that married them aloud he did cry
All you who'd forbid it, I'd have you draw nigh
Well thought I to myself, I'd a good reason why
Though I had not the heart to forbid it
The next time I saw my love it was in the church stand
A gold ring on her finger, white gloves on her hand
Thought I to myself, I should have been that man
Though I'd never once mentioned to have her
And the last time I saw my love she was all dressed in white
Made my eyes fill with tears, they quite dazzled my sight
So I picked up my hat and I wished her good night
Here's a dew to all false-hearted true loves
The ladies and gentlemen, they are all asking me
How many white lilies grow in the salt sea?
But I'll ask them back with a tear in my eye
How many ships sail in the forest?
Go dig my grave both long, wide and deep
And strew it all over with roses so sweet
So that I might lie down there and take a long sleep
And that's the best way to forget her