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 my cruel parents

Are being too unkind

They drove and punish me

And trouble my mind

For though I'm ruined for his love

Contented will I be

I love my love

Because I know

My love loves me

Would I become a swallow

Ascend into the air

And if I lost my lover

And could not find him there

I quickly would become a fish

And search the flowing sea

I love my love

Because I know

My love loves me

With straw I'll make a garland

And dress it very fine

I'll mix the wame with roses

Lily pink and tyne

I will preserve it for my love

When he returns from sea

I love my love

Because I know

My love loves me

Just as she was sadly weeping

Her love came on the land

Hearing she was in Bedlam

He ran straight out of hand

And as he entered into the gates

He heard her sigh and say

I love my love

Because I know

My love loves me

He stood and gazed on her

Hearing his love complain

He could not stand any longer

He bled in every vein

He flew in to her snowy white arms

And thus replied he

I love my love

Because I know

My love loves me