Grundtvig notes that this piece is of the same description as the Danish ‘Troskabspröven,’ Danmarks gamle Folkeviser, IV, 553, No 252, one version of which is translated by Prior, III, 289, No 146. Naturally, the fidelity of maid or wife is celebrated in the ballads of every tongue and people. This particular ballad, so far as it is original, is of very ordinary quality. The ninth stanza is pretty, but not quite artless.
Translated by Grundtvig, Engelske og skotske Folkeviser, p. 294, No 46.
1
My heart is lighter than the poll;
My folly made me glad,
As on my rambles I went out,
Near by a garden-side.
2
I walked on, and farther on,