WATER BALLAD

‘ Come hither, gently rowing,

Come, bear me quickly o'er

This stream so brightly flowing

To yonder woodland shore.

But vain were my endeavour

To pay thee, courteous guide;

Row on, row on, for ever

I'd have thee by my side.

‘ Good boatman, prithee haste thee,

I seek my father-land.’ —

‘ Say, when I there have placed thee,

Dare I demand thy hand?’

‘ A maiden's head can never

So hard a point decide;

Row on, row on, for ever

I'd have thee by my side.’

The happy bridal over

The wanderer ceased to roam,

For, seated by her lover,

The boat became her home.

And still they sang together

As steering o'er the tide:

‘ Row on through wind and weather

For ever by my side.’