Sir Peter began with such sweetness to play,
That the birds all sang as they sat on the spray.
Belov’d of my heart, wherefore sorrowest thou so?
The Merman rose from the depths of the sea,
And the fair young bride by the hand led he.
Belov’d of my heart, wherefore sorrowest thou so?
“Sir Peter, Sir Peter, thy playing give o’er,
Thy beautiful bride to thy arms I restore.”
Belov’d of my heart, wherefore sorrowest thou so?
“For my bonny bride only I will not give o’er,
Her five sisters also thou must restore.”
Belov’d of my heart, wherefore sorrowest thou so?
Anew ’gan Sir Peter so sweetly to play,
That the birds came down from their seat on the spray.
Belov’d of my heart, wherefore sorrowest thou so?
The Merman arose from the depth of the sea,
Five pretty maids by the hand led he.
Belov’d of my heart, wherefore sorrowest thou so?
“Sir Peter, Sir Peter, thy playing give o’er,
For in truth have I now no maidens more.”
Belov’d of my heart, wherefore sorrowest thou so?
From her anguish now is the Lady free,
In the arm of Sir Peter each night sleeps she.
Belov’d of my heart, wherefore sorrowest thou so?
THE UNFORTUNATE MARRIAGE
Hildebrand gave his sister away,
Causing her many a mournful day.