Retty used to shake her head
Look with wicked eye
Say "I'd have you, simple Ned, 
If I cared to try!" 
But she'd colour scarlet red
Stilly step away, 
Much afraid that what she'd said
Were saucy things to say. 

Retty used to want to rest
When we'd walked a mile, 
And she'd whisper "I were blest
Could I run awhile
As I ran that dear old day
When you saw me wade
Through the pond that people say
Fairy shovels made".

Retty used to draw me down
To the green church-hay, 
Where, with yeoman, squire, and clown
Her little body lay. 
Now her silent mouldering place
Scarce my footsteps know,
For when last I saw her face
Was so long ago.