THE PACKMAN
Russian Folk songs with English translations - pp 16,17 #12

Trea-sure la-den am I from far coun-tries,
Gold bro-cade and sa-tins rare!
Wea-ry am I, pri-thee will you buy from me,
Bargains all, sweet mai-den fair!
Wea-ry am I, pri-thee will you buy from me,
Bargains all, sweet mai-den fair!*

In yon field let me lie a while, resting
Till the setting of the sun;
In the gloaming, dark eyed lady, come to me,
I will show you every one.

Katja came seeking bargains eagerly,
Haggling over that and this.
So you find I set too high a price on them,
Why not pay me with a kiss?

On my round I am known for fair dealing,
All my wares have cost me dear;
Yet how can I set my mind on reckoning,
With my rosy lips so near?

Nought I know how the packman's trade flourished,
How the maid the man cajoled,
Were they both contented with their bargaining?
Neither she nor he has told.

* second couplet repeats in each verse.