Cailín Deas Crúite Na Mbó

It being on a fine summer’s morning

As the birds sweetly tuned on each bower

I heard a fair maid sing most charming

As she sat milking her cow

Her voice was enchanting melodious

Which left me scarce able to go

My heart, it was soothed with solace

By the cailín deas crúite na mbó

I courteously did salute her

Good morning, most amiable maid

I’m your captive slave for the future

Kind sir, do not banter, she said

I’m not such a precious rare jewel

That I should enamour you so

I am but a plain county girl

Says the cailín deas crúite na mbó

The Indies afford no such jewels

So precious, so transparent clear

Oh do not refuse me, my jewel

Consent now and love me, my dear

For riches I care not a farthing

It’s your love that I want and no more

I’d rather live poor on the mountain

With my cailín deas crúite na mbó

I don’t understand what you mean, sir

I ne’er was a slave yet to love

For these feelings I have no desire

I pray your affection remove

To marry, I can assure you

That state I will not undergo

I’m prepared to live single and airy

Says the cailín deas crúite na mbó