The False Bride

I once loved a lass, and I loved her so well
that I hated all others that spoke of her ill.
But now she's rewarded me well for my love;
for she’s gone to be wed to another.

When the day came, to the church she did go,
and the bride and bridesmaids, they made a fine show.
And I followed after with my heart full of woe
to see her get wed to another.

The parson that married them, aloud he did cry:
"All you that forbid it I'd have you draw nigh."
And I thought to myself I'd have a good reason why,
but I had not the heart to forbid it.

Dig me a grave, dig it long, wide and deep,
and cover it over with flowers so sweet,
so that I might lay down there to take a long sleep,
and maybe in time I'll forget her.

The men of the forest, they ask it of me:
"How many strawberries grow in the salt sea?"
I answer them back with a tear in my eye:
"How many ships sail in the forest?"