Johnny Rigg, the ranger,

He walked in Wood-o'-Lea

And happened on a stranger—

A nut-brown maid was she;

His heart it did rejoice of her,

As you may recognise;

The wind was in the voice of her,

The stars were in her eyes.

Johnny Rigg, the ranger,

He followed far away,

He didn't know the danger

That lurks at time o' may;

She drew him with the smiles of her,

She left him with a laugh,

Bewildered with the wiles of her,

And moon-struck as a calf.

Johnny Rigg, the ranger,

The muckle oaf was he;

He followed of a stranger;

She led him bonnily;

The fox he marked the track of him

And watched him through the segs;

The tinkers ran a-back of him

And stole his pheasant eggs!

Now, all you jolly rangers,

When nesting-time is on,

Don't go to follow strangers,

Nut-brown nor white as swan;

Beware of 'em, be wise of 'em,

For sooth it is that's said:

When stars get in the eyes of 'em

The moon gets in your head.