When first to London town I came
I took my lodging all at some inn.
For full five months I did remain
But being a stranger I fell in danger
Doing so, doing so.
The landlord had a daughter fair,
She was a beauty I do declare.
In her bedchamber I dared not go
But being a stranger I fell in danger
Doing so, doing so.
She'd ruby lips and she'd eyes of blue,
They caused me to love her so;
I kissed her lips, her bosom too,
But being a stranger I fell in danger
Doing so, doing so.
All in the grove my seed was sown,
All in the grove where grew no green.
The more I kissed her, this girl being young,
The more I kissed her her eyes did glister
Like the rising of the sun.
The seeds of love, they grew apace,
The tears they blossomed all on her face.
All for to reap it I would not stay
But being a stranger I fell in danger,
Ran away, I ran away.
Now when nine long months they were gone and past
This pretty girl had her babe at last.
She must keep it like it was her own
And reap the seeds I myself have sown
Doing so, doing so.