[From Ritson's 'North-Country Chorister', Durham, 1809]

Laddy lye Near Me.

As I walked over hills, dales and high mountains,
I heard a lad and a lass making acquaintance;
Making acquaintance and singing so clearly,
Long have I lain alone, laddy, lye near me
Near me, near me, laddy lye near me
Long, &c

What if I lay thee down, lassy my deary?
Cannot I rise again? Laddy, lye near me.
Near me, &c.

If I get thee with bairn, lassy, my deary?
Cannot I nurse the same? Laddy lye near me.
Near me, &c.

I'll never marry thee, lassy, my dearie.
Do as thou will, said she; laddy lye near me.
Near me, &c.

What will thy parents say, lassy, my dearie?
Never mind, let us play; laddy lye near me.
Near me, &c.

^^