"Have mercy, gentleman, you 'll spoil my fine, white cap,
I 'll go and put it off, and come back quite soon."
The gallant gentleman found the time quite tedious,
The maiden did not come; he whistled a blank tune.
"John, my little John, go and tell the maiden
To come back at once, for she must be asleep."
"Good fortune it is to me that I have got away,
By the grace of God I have no shame to weep."
"Little John returned to where his master waited,
Whistling a blank tune beneath the willow tree,