It being on a fine summer’s morning As the birds sweetly tuned on each bower I heard a fair maid sing most charming As she sat milking her cow Her voice was enchanting melodious Which left me scarce able to go My heart, it was soothed with solace By the cailín deas crúite na mbó I courteously did salute her Good morning, most amiable maid I’m your captive slave for the future Kind sir, do not banter, she said I’m not such a precious rare jewel That I should enamour you so I am but a plain county girl Says the cailín deas crúite na mbó The Indies afford no such jewels So precious, so transparent clear Oh do not refuse me, my jewel Consent now and love me, my dear For riches I care not a farthing It’s your love that I want and no more I’d rather live poor on the mountain With my cailín deas crúite na mbó I don’t understand what you mean, sir I ne’er was a slave yet to love For these feelings I have no desire I pray your affection remove To marry, I can assure you That state I will not undergo I’m prepared to live single and airy Says the cailín deas crúite na mbó