1

One morning so gay, in the glad month of May,
When I from my cottage strayed;
As broke the ray of awakening day,
I met a pretty maid.
A neat little lass on the twinkling grass,
To see, my foot I stayed.

2

"My fair pretty maid, why wander?" I said,
"So early, tell me now?"
The maid replied, "Pretty Sir!" and sighed,
"I've lost my Spotted Cow.
She's stolen," she said, many tears she shed,
"Or lost, I can't tell how."

3

"No further complain in dolorous strain,
I've tidings will you cheer.
I know she's strayed, in yonder green glade,
Come, love! I'll shew you where.
So dry up your tears and banish fears,
And bid begone despair."

4

"I truly confess in my bitter distress,
You are most good," said she.
"With help so kind, I am certain to find
My cow, so I'll with thee.
Four eyes, it is true, are better than two,
And friend, four eyes have we."

5

Through meadow and grove, we together did rove,
We crossed the flow'ry dale,
Both morn and noon, we strayed till the moon
Above our heads did sail.
The old Spotted Cow, clean forgotten was now,
For love was all our tale.

6

Now never a day, do I go my way,
To handle flail or plough.
She comes again, and whispers, "Sweet swain,
I've lost my Spotted Cow."
I pretend not to hear, she shouts, "My dear,
I've lost my Spotted Cow."