Here is another set of lyrics that I have typed off a CD some 25 years back:

Bright silvery light of the moon
trad??

As I strayed from my cot at the dawning of the day
it was just the beginning of June
It was there in the shade I a-spied a fair maid
she was sadly complaining to the moon

        Roll on silv'ry moon light a trav'ler on his way
        whilst the nightingales sing in full tune
        but there's no tune so sweet as when true lovers meet
        'neath the bright silv'ry light of the moon


Then he said sweet my dear earth is heaven with you here
whilst the moon sails above and a-far
Sure her fine silver light weaves the spell about the night
as your eyes cast the spell on my heart
ch:

Then he gave her the ring and he asked her would she wed
and he coaxed that the day might be soon
And so sweet did he woo she had nothing left to do
but consent 'neath the light of the moon
ch:

As you see the first verse and chorus do not differ that much from those above, but the rest two carry quite a different "atmosphere" in them – as if there is a verse or two missing to make the story consistent. Mind you, to start the maid is alone and complaining (about her boyfriend?), but all of a sudden our fellow is there, full of sweet words and ring etc.

Or have I completely been misled by the silv'ry moon...?

AKS