Now the winter is gone

Now the winter is gone and the summer is come

And the meadows look pleasant and gay

I met a young damsel so sweetly sang she

And her cheeks like the blossoms of May

I says: Fair maiden, how came you here

In the meadows this morning so soon?

The maid she replied: For to gather some may

For the trees they are all in full bloom.

I says: Fair maiden, shall I go with you

To the meadows to gather some may?

O the maid she replied: O I must be excused

For I'm afeared you will lead me astray.

Then I took this fair maid by her lily-white hand

On the green mossy banks we sat down

And I placed a kiss on her sweet rosy lips

And the small birds were singing all round.

When we arose from the green mossy banks

To the meadows we wandered away;

I placed my love on a primrosy bank

And I plucked her a handful of may.

When I returned she gave me a smile

And thanked me for what I had done.

I placed a sprig on her snowy-white breast

And believe me there's never a thorn.

Then early next morning I made her my bride

That the world should have nothing to say.

The bells they did ring and the bridesmaids did sing

And I crowned her the sweet Queen of May.