As I was a-walking one morning in the spring
To hear the birds whistle and the nightingale sing,
I heard a fair damsel, so sweetly sung she,
Saying, " I will be married on Tuesday morning."

I stepped up to her and thus I did say,
" Pray tell me your age and where you belong?"
" I belong to the sign of the Bonny Blue Bell,
My age is sixteen and you know very well."

" Sixteen, pretty maid, you are young to be married.
I'll leave you another four years to be tarry."
" You speak like a man without any skill,
Four years I have been single against my own will.

" On Monday night when I goes there
To powder my locks and to curdle my hair,
There was three pretty maidens awaiting for me,
Saying: I will be married on a Tuesday morning.

" On a Tuesday morning the bells they shall ring
And three pretty maidens so sweetly shall sing.
So neat and so gay is my golden ring,
Saying: I will be married on a Tuesday morning.

" On Tuesday night when I goes to bed
With my precious jewel that I lately wed,
Farewell and adieu to my maidenhead.
Goodnight, pretty maidens, till Wednesday morning."