Sheepcrook And Black Dog

I'll spread the green branches over while I am young
So well did I like my love, so sweetly she sang
Was ever a man in such happy estate
As me with my Flora, my Flora so brave?

I went to my Flora and this I did say
"To-morrow we'll be married, love, it wants but one day"
"One day," said fair Flora, "the day is to come
I'll not marry so early, my age is too young"
"I'll go for a service and a service I'll get
And perhaps in a few years might substance and reap"
"Don't go for a service leaving me here behind"
"Oh yes, my lovely shepherd, I'll return by and by"

She got her a service and to service she went
To wait on a lady which was her intent
To wait on a lady and a rich lady gay
Who clothed fair Flora, my Flora so brave

A little while after and a letter he sent
With three or four short lines to gain her intent
She wrote that she lived such a contented life
That she never would intend to be a young shepherd's wife
These words she had written, they appeared like a dart
"I must draw all my courage and show a brave heart
O being that she will never write unto me anymore
Her answer so convinced me, quite over and o'er"

My ewes and my lambs, I will bade them adieu
My bottle and budger I'll leave here with you
My sheep-crook and my black dog I will leave here behind