There was one a-riding grand
On a tall brown mare
And a fine gold band
He brought me there

A little, gold band
He held to me
That would shine on a hand
For the world to see

There was one a-walking swift
To a little, new song
And a rose was the gift
He carried along

First of all the posies
Dewy and red
They that have roses
Never need bread

There was one with a swagger
And a soft, slow tongue
And a bright, cold dagger
Where his left hand swung

Craven and gilt
Old and bad
And his stroking of the hilt
Set a girl mad

There was one a-riding grand
As he rode from me
And he raised his golden band
And he threw it in the sea

There was one a-walking slow
To a sad, Iong sigh
And his rose drooped low
And he flung it down to die

There was one with a swagger
And a little, sharp pride
And a bright, cold dagger
Ever at his side

At his side it stayed
When he ran to part
What is this blade
Struck through my heart?