John Riley

As I went walking one Sunday mornin' To breathe the sweet and pleasant air, Who should I spy, but a fair young maiden, Whose cheek was like the lily fair. I stepped up to her so quickly saying, "Would you like to be a sailor's wife?" "Oh no, kind sir, I'd rather tarry" "And to live single all my life." "What makes you differ from a mother's wishes? I'm sure, you're useful and handsome, too. Set sail with me to Pennsylvany, Adieu to England forever more!" "The truth, kind sir, I'll plainly tell you, I coulda been married three years ago To one John Riley, who left this country. He is the cause of all my woe." "I'll not go with you to Pennsylvany, Neither go with you to that distant shore, For my heart is with Riley, I can't forget'im, Although I may never see him no more." Now when he saw that she loved him truly, He gave her kisses one, two and three Saying, "I am Riley, your long lost lover, Who's been the cause of your misery." "If you be he and your name is Riley, I will go with you to a distant shore. We will set sail to Pennsylvany. Adieu, young friends, forever more!"