You Muses divine, combine and lend me your aid
To write these few lines, for I find that my heart is betrayed
By a maiden most fair who is dear unto me as my life
But from me she has flown, and is known as the Red-haired man’s wife.

A letter I’ll send by a friend down to the sea-shore
To tell her in truth, that surely it’s her I adore
And if she will but leave that slave I will forfeit my life
She will live like a lady, and ne’er be the Red-haired man’s wife.

I remember the day when I gave unto you my true heart
And you solemnly swore that no more we ever would part,
But your mind’s like the ocean, with each notion it freely takes flight
And leaves me alone, to mourn for the Red-haired man’s wife.

I strayed on my way, one day, through a shady green grove
Across purling streams, where sweet birds do warble and rove
It was there, in a glade where nature displays her delights
That I stood all amazed and gazed on the Red-haired man’s wife.

I offered a favour and sealed it with my own hand
She answered and said ‘Would you ask me to break a command’
So please sir, be easy, let nature not cause so much strife
I’ve been given away, —and must stay – as the Red-haired man’s wife.