The lyrics you posted are those that are in Colm O'Lochlainn's book. I prefer to sing the shorter and more 'singable' lyrics (the words are not so awkward) attributed to Thomas Moore in the "Irish Classics" songbook. Allan C. has an old songbook of Thomas Moore lyrics, so if you are reading this thread, Allan, maybe you can look them up for us. The version I sing:

It was on a fine summer's morning
The birds sweetly tuned on each bough
And as I walked out for my pleasure
I saw the maid milking her cow.
Her voice, so enchanting, melodious
Left me quite unable to go
My heart it was loaded with sorrow
For 'colleen dhas cruthen na mo'. (phoenetic English)

Then to her I made my advances
'Good morrow, most beauteous maid
Your beauty my heart so entrances.'
'Pray, sir, do not banter,' she said.
'I'm not such a rare precious jewel,
that I should enamor you so.
I am but a poor little milk girl.'
Said colleen dhas cruthen na mo.

The Indies afford no such jewels
So bright and transparently clear.
Pray, do not add flame to my fuel,
Consent but to love me, my dear.
If I had the lamp of Alladin,
Or the wealth of the African shore,
I'd rather be poor in a cottage
With colleen dhas cruthen na mo.

alice