Isabella, Isabella, Isabella, Farewell!
Last night when we parted
I left you broken-hearted,
And on the green meadow
You was standing alone.
Choose a sweetheart, choose a sweetheart,
Choose a sweetheart, fair maid.
Take her hand, love, take her hand, love,
Take her hand, love, fair maid.
Kneel down, love, kneel down, love,
Kneel down, love, fair maid.
Take a kiss, love, take a kiss, love,
Take a kiss, love, fair maid.
Now you’re married I wish you joy,
First a girl and then a boy,
Seven years after son and daughter;
Pray, young couple, come kiss together.
Kiss her once, kiss her twice, kiss her three times over.
—From a London nursemaid, 1878 (A. B. Gomme).