COURTING TOO SLOW

It was on one Monday morning and oh and it was soon
I bought my pretty Betty a pair of new shoon
A pair of new shoes and slippers also
But I lost my pretty Betty by courting too slow
I lost my pretty Betty by courting too slow.

I bought my pretty Betty a garland of green
And ribbons that you wear so fair to be seen
And rings for her fingers all made of glittering gold
But I lost my pretty Betty by not being bold
I lost my pretty Betty by not being bold.

It was on one Tuesday evening and oh and it was late
I fain would have kissed her but I was too straight
I was thinking how to gain her consent to be true
But I lost my pretty Betty by courting too slow
I lost my pretty Betty by courting too slow.

For in there come a sailor all in his tarry trews
He went into the chamber where my true love was
He kissed her and he clapped her he flattered her so
He fair won the day by my courting too slow
He fair won the day by my courting too slow.

So come all you bold fellows and pray take my advice
And when you go a-courting now don't you be too nice
But you kiss all them pretty girls and you let them for to know
That you don't mean to lose them by courting too slow
That you don't mean to lose them by courting too slow.

(Words: traditional. Jon Boden uses a tune written by Peter Bellamy)