Come all ye pretty maidens
have you keep your gardens clean
And let no one steal your thyme.
 
My garden was planted full
Of flowers ev'rywhere, flowers ev'rywhere.
But for myself I wouldnot choose
The flower I held so dear.
 
The primrose I did refuse
Because it came too soon
The lily and pink I overlooked
And vowed I would wait till June.
 
In June came the rose so red
And that's the flower for me:
But when I gathered the rose so dear
I gained but the willow tree.
 
My garden is now run wild,
When shall I plant it new?
My bed that once was filled with thyme
Is all overrun with rue.
 
Green willow it will twist,
Green willow it will twine,
And I wish I was in that young man's arms
That once had the heart of mine.