May I Never Be Married

The kiss that he gave when he left me behind, Seal'd the promise of Patrick's love, And when to my sailor I'm false or unkind, Such falsehood expect from the dove. For the promise of lovers should ne'er be forgot, And I promis'd the lad, when behind him I tarried, That I ne'er would forsake him though humble his lot, Oh! honey, if I do may I never get married.

Now the winds and the waves bear him over the sea, The young squire would give me fine things, But what are his riches or grandeur to me, His baubles, his ribbons and rings. For the promise, &c.

His cabbin is low, content dwells within, And snug is the thatch o'er the door, For riches without him I care not a pin, For my sailor's the lad I adore. For the promise, &c.

The promise of lovers should ne'er be forgot, Yet sometimes, we all know, such hopes have miscarried; I trust he'll prove true, but I'll fit him if not, Oh! honey, if I don't may I never be married. For the promise, &c.