By Chance It Was Lyrics - Clannad

By chance it was I met my love 

It did me much surprise 

Down by a shady myrtle grove 

Just as the sun did rise. 

The birds they sang right gloriously 

And pleasent was the air 

And there was non save she and i 

Among the flowers fair. 

In dewy grass and green we walked 

She timid was and coy 

How can'st thou choose but pity me 

My pretty pearl, my joy 

How comes it that thou stroll this way? 

Sweet maiden tell me true 

Before bright phoebus' glittering ray 

Has supped the morning dew? 

I go to tend the flocks I love 

The ewes and tender lambs 

That pasture by the myrtle grove 

That gambol by their dams 

There I enjoy a pure content 

At dawning of the day 

Then, hand in hand, we lovers went 

To see the flock at play. 

And as we wended down the road 

I said to her, "sweet maid, 

Three years I in my place abode 

And three more must be stayed 

The three that I am bound so fast 

O fairest wait for me 

And when the weary years are past 

Then wedded we will be."