As I walked out one morning,
To view the fields with pride,
I saw a comely damsel,
Down by the Shannon side.
I seemed to take no notice,
But still stepped [steered] on my way,
Until she cried, with all her might,
And bid me for to stay.
Saying - "Fifty guineas in bright gold O,
My father he will provide,
And fifty acres of bright land,
Down by the Shannon side.
I said - "My pretty fair maid,
I love your offer well,
But I'm engaged already,
The truth I now will tell.
There is some other fair damsel,
She'd wish to be my bride,
She's a wealthy grazier's daughter,
Down by the Shannon side."
This is traditional folk song collected in Wiltshire by Wiltshire poet Alfred Williams.