Willie Archer Lyrics - Silly Wizard

O as I was a-walking down by yon mill-town, 

The fair and lovely mountains they did me surround; 

'Twas there I saw a fair maid, and to me she looked grand; 

She was plucking wild roses on the banks of the Bann. 

So I stepped up to this fair one, and to her I did say, 

"Since nature has formed us for to meet on this day -- 

Since nature has formed us, won't you give me your hand, 

And we will walk together on the banks of the Bann." 

Now it being a summer's evening and a fine quiet place, 

I knew by the blushes that appeared on her face.... 

We both lay down together unto a bed of sand, 

And she rolled into my arms on the banks of the Bann. 

"O young man, you have wronged me; won't you tell me your name, 

That when my babe is born I may give it the same?" 

"My name is Willie Archer, and I'd have you understand 

That my home and habitation lie close by the Bann. 

"But I cannot marry you, for apprenticed I'm bound 

To the spinning and the weaving in Rathfriland town. 

But when my time is over I will give you my hand 

And we will be married on the banks of the Bann." 

So come all you fair maidens, take warning by me: 

Don't go out a-courting at one, two, or three. 

Don't go out a-courting so late if you can, 

Or you'll meet with Willie Archer on the banks of the Bann.