A nobleman's son, he dreamed such a dream Of the beautifulest girl in the nation No counsel would he take, but journeys he'd make Through Ireland to seek this fair creature 'Twas seven long years he searched here and there 'Til he came to the place where he'd meet her He opened the door and she stood on the floor She was a laboring man's daughter I never have seen you but once in my life And that was in a dream, you lay by me And now you're beside me, by the look in your eyes I know that you ne'er will deny me And what's your desire, pray tell me, kind sir That you're so afraid of denial? Although I am poor, no scorn will I endure Do not put me under such trial No scorn will I bring, nor any such thing And he took out a ring as a token Oh love is a thing which does hang on a string But between us it ne'er will be broken And if I should consent your bride for to be Your parents would both be offended Besides they would always be frowning on me Because you are highly descended For father and for mother I have none in this world I have none but myself and a brother And as for my friends, they will not frown on me So we can but love one another So now they has gained what love and delight And they are living in joy and plenty The laboring man's daughter has married a knight Heaven protect them both together 1