Willie Archer (Silly Wizard)

O as I was a-walking down by yon mill-town, The fair and lovely mountains they did me surround; 'Twas there I saw a fair maid, and to me she looked grand; She was plucking wild roses on the banks of the Bann. So I stepped up to this fair one, and to her I did say, "Since nature has formed us for to meet on this day -- Since nature has formed us, won't you give me your hand, And we will walk together on the banks of the Bann." Now it being a summer's evening and a fine quiet place, I knew by the blushes that appeared on her face.... We both lay down together unto a bed of sand, And she rolled into my arms on the banks of the Bann. "O young man, you have wronged me; won't you tell me your name, That when my babe is born I may give it the same?" "My name is Willie Archer, and I'd have you understand That my home and habitation lie close by the Bann. "But I cannot marry you, for apprenticed I'm bound To the spinning and the weaving in Rathfriland town. But when my time is over I will give you my hand And we will be married on the banks of the Bann." So come all you fair maidens, take warning by me: Don't go out a-courting at one, two, or three. Don't go out a-courting so late if you can, Or you'll meet with Willie Archer on the banks of the Bann.