A blacksmith courted me Nine months and better He fairly won my heart Wrote me a letter With his hammer in his hand He looked quite clever And if I was with my love I'd live forever. But where is my love gone With his cheeks like roses And has gone across the seas Gathering primroses I'm afraid the shining sun May it burn scorched its beauty And if I was with my love I'd do my duty. Strange news is come to town Strange news is carried Strange news flies up and down That my love is married. I wish them both much joy But they don't hear me And if I was with my love I'd do my duty. What did promise me You lay beside me And you said you'd marry me And not deny me If I said I'd marry you It was only for to try you So bring your witness love And I'll not deny you. No witness I have none Save God Almighty And may he reward you well For the slighting of me. Her lips grew pale and wan It made a poor heart tremble For to think she loved a one And he proved deceitful. A blacksmith courted me Nine months and better He fairly won my heart Wrote me a letter With his hammer in his hand He looked quite clever And if I was with my love I'd live forever.