My love is one of the fairest young men
That ever was in this country
But how to win him, I do not know it
For he is sentenced for to die
As he walked out the streets of Derry
He walked so proud and so manfully
He was far more like a commanding officer
Than a man to die on the gallow's tree
The first time he went to climb the ladder
His blooming face began to pale
And this he said, "Is there no assistance?
Is there no __ in Derry jail?"
He took another step up the ladder
His beloved father was standing by
"Come here, come near, my beloved father
And speak one word to me before I die"
The next time he went to climb the ladder
His beloved sister was standing by
"Come here, come near, my beloved sister
And speak one word to me before I die"
I wonder what become of my true love
Or what has sent her so long from me?
Or does she think it a great dishonor
For to see me die on a gallow's tree?
He looked around and he saw her coming
And she was dressed up in woolens fine
And then he stepped, and she draws nearer
Was swifter than the __ wine
"Come down, come down off that weary gallow
For I've got your pardon from the king
And I'll let them see we'll be united
And I'll crown my Johnny with a laurel leaf