I once loved a maid 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 pains
For she's gone to be wed to another

When I saw my love to the church go
With her maids and bride maidens she made a fine show
And I followed on with my heart full of woe
For she's to be wed to another

Then I saw my love sit down to dine
Well I sat down beside her, I poured out her wine
And I drank to the girl that should have been mine
But she was now wed to another

The boys of the forest they ask it of me
How many strawberries grow in the salt sea?
And I ask it them back with a tear in my eye
How many ships sail in the forest?

Go dig me a grave, I let ye dig it so deep
And cover it over with flowers so sweet
And close my poor eyelids forever in sleep
And maybe in death I'll forget her