'Twas down in Cupid's Garden I wandered for to view
The sweet and lovely flowers that in the garden grew
First there was the jessamine, the lily, pink and rose,
They are the fairest flowers that in that garden grow,
That in that garden grow.
I had not been in the garden but scarcely half an hour
When I beheld two fair pretty maids sitting in shady bower,
One was lovely Nancy so beautiful and fair
The other was a virgin that did the laurels wear,
That did the laurels wear.
I boldly stepped up to her and unto her did say,
"Are you engaged to any young man? Come tell to me, I pray."
"I'm not engaged to any young man, I solemnly declare
I mean to live a virgin and still the laurels wear,
And still the laurels wear."
"Why then," I answered to her, "if that be your intent,
I'll give my hand to Nancy, if I have her consent."
We both went off together, saying "Wear your laurels still,
For she that will not when she may, she shall not when she will,
She shall not when she will."
"It's down in Portsmouth harbour a ship lies waiting there,
Tomorrow to the sea I go, let the wind blow high or fair,
And if I do live to return again how happy I shall be
With you, my lovely Nancy, sat smiling on my knee,
Sat smiling on my knee."
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