Abroad as I was walking
one evening in the spring
I heard a maid in Bedlam
so sweetly for to sing.
Her chains she rattled in her hand
and thus replied she,
I love my love because I know
my love loves me.
O cruel were his parents
who sent my love to sea
and cruel was the galleon
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.
With straw I weave a garland
I'll weave it very fine
with roses, daisies, lilies
I'll mix the eglandtine
and I'll present it to my love
when he returns from sea for
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.
So now these two are married
and happy may they be
like turtle doves together
in love and unity.
All pretty maids with patience wait
that have got loves at sea.
I love my love because I know
my love loves me.