And it was on one Whitsun Wednesday, the fourteenth day of May,
That we untied our anchor, and so we sailed away
Where the sun did shine most glorious, to Lisbon we were bound,
Where the hills and valleys painted all with pretty maidens aboundI wrote a letter to Nancy that she might understand
That I was going to leave her unto some foreign land.
She said, "My dearest William, these words will break my heart,
Oh let us married be tonight before the duties start.""For ten longs weeks and better, love, I've been with child by thee,
So stay at home dear William, be kind and marry me."
"Our captain has commanded us, and I shall have to go,
For the Queen's in want of men withal. Oh I cannot answer no.""Then I'll cut off my yellow locks, men's clothing I'll put on,
And I will go along with you, and be your waiting man.
And when it is your watch on deck, your duty I will do.
Oh, I'll brave the field of battle, love, that I may go with you."Your pretty little fingers, love, they are both long and small.
Your waist it is too slender, love, to face the cannon ball.
For the cannon they do rattle, and the blazing bullets fly,
And the silver trumpets they do sound to drown the mournful cry.""Oh do not talk of danger, love, for that is my design,
And I will go along with you and with you spend my time.
And I will travel through France and Spain all for to be your bride.
And it's on the field of battle I will lay down by your side."So it was on one Whitsun Wednesday, the fourteenth day of May,
That we untied our anchor, and so we sailed away
Where the sun did shine most glorious, to Lisbon we were bound,
Where the hills and valleys painted all with pretty maidens abound
