As I walked through the meadows to take the fresh air
The flowers were blooming and gay
I heard a young damsel so sweetly a-singing
Her cheeks like the blossom in May

Said I
"Pretty maiden, shall I go with you?
Through the meadows together some may?"
She answered
"Oh no, sir, my pathway is here
Any other would lead me astray!"

So she pattered along with her dear little feet
But I followed and soon I drew near
I called her so pretty, my true love so sweet
That she took me at last for her dear

I took the fair maid by her lily-white hand
On the green mossy bank we sat down
I placed a kiss on her sweet ruby lips
A tree spread its branches around

Now when we did rise from that green bushy grove
In the meadows we wandered away
I placed my true love on a primrose bank
While I picked her a handful of may

The very next morning I made her my bride
Soon after the breaking of day
The bells they did ring and the birds they did sing
As I crowned her the queen of sweet May