The Sweet Nightingale
Source: English, 19th Century, from Surrey.
Edition: Lucy Broadwood and J. A. Fuller Maitland, English County Songs, Leadenhall Press, London, and Scribners, New York, 1893, page 124.

One morning in May by chance I did rove
I sat myself down by the side of a grove
and there did I hear the sweet nightingale sing,
I never heard so sweet as the birds in the Spring

All on the grass I sat myself down
where the voice of the nightingale echoed around;
don't you hear how she quivers the notes ? I declare
no music, no songster with her can compare.

Come all you young men, I'll have you draw near,
I pray you now heed me these words for to hear,
that when you're grown old you may have it to sing,
that you never heard so sweet as the birds in the Spring.

T.