I ONCE LOVED A LASS

I once loved a lass 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 love
for she’s gone to be wed to another

when the day came to the church she did go
and the bride and the bridesmaids they made a fine show
and I followed after with my heart full of woe
to see her get wed to another

the parson that married them, aloud he did cry
“all you that forbid it, I’ll have you stand by”
and I thought to myself, “I’ve a good reason why”
but I had not the heart to forbid it

so dig me a grave and dig it so deep
and cover it over with flowers so sweet
that I might lie down and take a long sleep
and maybe in time I’ll forget her

the men of the forest, they ask it of me
how many strawberries grow in the salt sea?
I answer them back with a tear in my eye
how many ships sail in the forest?