I Love My Love

Abroad as I was walking

One evening in the spring

I heard a maid in Bedlam

So sweetly for to sing;

Her chain she rattled with her hands

And thus replied she:

I love my love because I know

My love loves me

Oh cruel were his parents

Who sent my love to sea

And cruel was the ship

That bore my love from me:

Yet I love his parents since they’re his

Although they’ve ruined me:

I love my love because I know

My love loves me

"With straw I'll weave a garland,

I'll weave it very fine;

With roses, lilies, daisies,

I'll mix the eglantine;

And I'll present it to my love when he returns from sea.

For...

I love my love because I know

My love loves me

Just as she there sat weeping

Her love he came on land

Then, hearing she was in Bedlam

He ran straight out of hand;

He flew into her snow-white arms

And thus replied he:

I love my love because I know

My love loves me

She said: “My love don’t frighten me,

Are you my love or no?”

“O yes, my dearest Nancy,

I am your love, also

I am returned to make amends

For all your injury.”

I love my love because I know

My love loves me

So now these two are married,

And happy may they be

Like turtle doves together,

In love and unity.

All pretty maids with patience wait

That have got loves at sea;

I love my love because I know

My love loves me