There's a colleen fair as May For a year and for a day I have sought by every way Her heart to gain. There's no art of tongue or eye Fond youths with maidens try But I've tried with ceaseless sigh Yet tried in vain. If to France or far off Spain She crossed the wat'ry main To see her face again the seas I'd brave And if it's heaven's decree That mine she'll never be May the Son of Mary me in mercy save. But a kiss with welcome bland And the touch of thy fair hand Are all that I demand Would'st thou not spurn For if not mine, dear girl My snowy breasted pearl May I never from the fair With life return.