Donal Og

My Donal Og, I love you, and you sail o'er the water

Take me with you to be your partner

'Tis at fair and market you'll be well looked-after

And you can sleep with the Greek king's daughter

First time I saw you 'twas a Sunday evening

'Twas at the Easter as I was kneeling

'Twas on Christ's passion that I was reading

But my mind, it was on you, and my own heart bleeding

My Donal Og, you'll not find me lazy

Not like some high-born expensive lady

I'll do your milking and I'll nurse your baby

If you were set upon I would back you bravely

For you said you would meet me, but you were lying

Behind the sheepfold as the day was dying

I whistled first, then I started hailing

And all that I heard was the young lambs' wailing

And you said you would give me, but you talk lightly

Fish-skin gloves that would fit me tightly

Bird-skin shoes when I go out walking

A silken dress that would set Ireland talking

My mother, she said we should not be meeting

That I should pass you by and not give you greeting

'Twas a good time surely she chose for cheating

With the stable bare and the horse retreating

Black as the sloe is the heart inside me

Black as the coal with the grief that drives me

Black as the boot print on shining hallway

'Twas you that blackened it ever and always

For you took what's before me and what's behind me

You took east and west when you would not mind me

Sun, moon and stars from me you have taken

And Christ likewise if I'm not mistaken

My Donal Og, when you sail o'er the water