Donal og

My Donal Og, I love you, and you sail o'er the water
Take me with you to be your partner
'Tis at fair and market you'll be well looked-after
And you can sleep with the Greek king's daughter

First time I saw you 'twas a Sunday evening
'Twas at the Easter as I was kneeling
'Twas on Christ's passion that I was reading
But my mind, it was on you, and my own heart bleeding

My Donal Og, you'll not find me lazy
Not like some high-born expensive lady
I'll do your milking and I'll nurse your baby
If you were set upon I would back you bravely

For you said you would meet me, but you were lying
Behind the sheepfold as the day was dying
I whistled first, then I started hailing
And all that I heard was the young lambs' wailing

And you said you would give me, but you talk lightly
Fish-skin gloves that would fit me tightly
Bird-skin shoes when I go out walking
A silken dress that would set Ireland talking

My mother, she said we should not be meeting
That I should pass you by and not give you greeting
'Twas a good time surely she chose for cheating
With the stable bare and the horse retreating

Black as the sloe is the heart inside me
Black as the coal with the grief that drives me
Black as the boot print on shining hallway
'Twas you that blackened it ever and always

For you took what's before me and what's behind me
You took east and west when you would not mind me
Sun, moon and stars from me you have taken
And Christ likewise if I'm not mistaken

My Donal Og, when you sail o'er the water