Who comes softly by my window? Who comes lightly on the night air?
Is it friend or is it other who comes here with ne'er a care?
Shall I rise or shall I slumber, if he knocks upon my door?
For if I do not rise and answer, will he knock and knock some more?

I'm for a bird that's bold in flight. I'm for a shady hollow.
I'm for a hare that runs by night, and I'm for an English meadow.

Hark! It is my dearest husband. Come and lie you here by me.
You are cold and the frost is cruel. Come lie here and I'll warm thee.
See the moon, how bright she shineth in a sky so full of light!
See the stars, how they embrace her, putting darkness all to flight!

I'm for a bird etc.

When upon an English meadow, setting snares both far and near,
Do you think upon the danger? Oh, for me, what do you care?
For if you're caught, then you'll be sentenced, and transported you will be,
Far away across the ocean. Who will then provide for me?

I'm for a bird etc.

Sorry love, I cannot tarry. In our bed I cannot lie.
The frost and the cold they do await me. Sadly we must say goodbye.
Upon the moon a thousand curses, and the stars that shine so bright!
He was espied upon the meadow. Now the keeper's men draw nigh.

I'm for a bird etc.

HTML line breaks added. --JoeClone, 11-Mar-02.