I once loved a lass

I once loved a lass, and I loved her so well,
that I hated all others, that spoke of her ill.
But now she’s rewarded me well for my love;
She’s gone to be wed to an other.

When I saw my love go through the church door,
with bride and bride maidens, they made a fine show;
and I followed the men with my heart full of woe,
for now she is wed to an other.

When I saw my love a-sit down to dine,
I sat down beside her and poured out the wine;
and I drank to the lass, that should have been mine,
but now she is wed to an other.

The men of yon forest, they ask it of me:
How many strawberries grow in the salt sea?
And I ask of them back with a tear in my eye:
How many ships sail in the forest?

So dig me a grave, and dig it so deep
and cover it over with flowers so sweet;
and I’ll turn in for to take a long sleep,
and maybe in time I’ll forget her.

So they dug him a grave, and they dug it so deep;
they covered it over with flowers so sweet.
And he’s turned in for to take a long sleep.
And maybe by now he’s forgotten.

trad.