I Loved a Lass

Oh, I loved a lass, and I loved her so well

That I hated all others for her that spoke ill

But this she rewarded me well for my love

She's a-gone to be wed to another

When I saw her, my love, to who the church go

With a bride and bride maidens she made a fine show

I followed her around with a heart full of woe

She's a-gone to be wed to another

When I saw my love sit down to dine

I sat down beside her to pour out the wine

I drank to the lassie that should have been mine

She's a-gone to be wed to another

And the men in the forest they ask it of me

Saying "How many strawberries grow in the salt sea?"

I answered them back with a tear in my eye

"How many ships sail in the forest?"