My Love Has Left Me

I am a young maiden, my story is sad,
For once I was carefree and in love with a lad.
He courted me sweetly by night and by day,
But now he has left me and gone far away.

He rode through the deserts, his fortune to seek,
I missed his caresses and his kiss on my cheek.
He returned and I told him my love was still warm,
He turned away lightly and great was his scorn.

He offered to take me to an Allanaki Fair,
To buy me fine ribbons, tie them up in my hair.
He offered to marry and to stay by my side,
But then in the morning into the desert he'd ride.

My parents they chide me, and will not agree,
Saying me and my true love never married should be.
Ah but let them deprive me, or let them do what they will,
While there's breath in my body, he's the one I love still.

Irish Folksong

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