As I Walked Out to Mow One Morn

As I walked out to mow one morn,
So early as I walked along,
I heard a fair maid making her moan,
She wept most bitterly.

I stepped up to her straightway,
And asked her what she had to say.
“Oh sir,” she cried, “I’ve lost my way,
And know not where to go.”

I took her by the lily-white hand,
And led her down at my command,
We walked along and we talked so free,
Till we came to yonder green tree.

I laid her down upon the grass,
And gave to her a loving kiss;
She said, “Young man, you’ve had your will,
Pray tell me now your name.”

“My name,” said I, “is William True,
I’ve travelled the country through and through,
And now, fair maid, I bid adieu,”
And away from her I flew.

She wrung her hands and tore her hair,
She cried aloud in deep despair,
“Oh what a foolish girl was I,
To be led astray by a rover!”