Classic Poem

One morning in the month of May,
Down by the rolling river,
A jolly sailor he did stray,
There he beheld some lover.
She scarcely along did stray
A-viewing of those daisies gay,
She sweetly sang a roundelay
Just as the tide was a-flowing.

And her dress it was as white as milk
And jewels did around her;
Her shoes were of the crimson silk
Just like some lady.
Her cheeks were red, her eyes were brown,
Her hair in ringlets hanging down;
Her lovely brow without a frown
Just as the tide was a-flowing.

I made a bow and said, " Fair maid,
How come you here so early?
My heart by you it is betrayed
And I could love you dearly.
I am a sailor come from sea,
If you'll accept my company
For to walk and to view the fishes play
Just as the tide was a-flowing."

No more was said, but on our way
We both did gang together.
The small birds sung and the lambs did play
And pleasant was the weather.
Oh we was weary, both sat down
Beneath a tree with branches round.
And what was done shall never be known
Just as the tide was a-flowing.

And as she laid all on the grass
Her colour it kept changing.
" Alas," cried out my lovely lass,
" Never let your mind be changing."
She gives me twenty pounds in store,
Saying, " Meet me when you will, there's more,
For my jolly sailor I adore
Just as the tide was a-flowing."

We both shook hands and off did steer.
Jack Tar loves rum and brandy
To keep his shipmates in full cheer,
For the lady's gold was handy.
With some other girls he then will go
To some public house where brandy flow.
Success to the girl that will do so
Just as the tide was a-flowing.