Abroad as I was walking
One evening in the spring
I heard a maid in Bedlam
So sweetly for to sing;
Her chain she rattled with her hands
And thus replied she:
I love my love
Because I know
My love loves me
Oh cruel were his parents
Who sent my love to sea
And cruel was the ship
That bore my love from me:
Yet I love his parents
Since they're his although
they've ruined me:
I love my love
Because I know
My love loves me
Just as she there sat weeping
Her love he came on land
Then, hearing she was in Bedlam
He ran straight out of hand;
He flew into her snow-white arms
And thus replied he:
I love my love
Because I know
My love loves me
She said: My love don't frighten me,
are you my love or no?
O yes, my dearest Nancy,
I am your love, also
I am returned to make amends
for all your injury.
I love my love
Because I know
My love loves me