On a fair summer’s morning of soft recreation
I heard a fair maiden a-making great moan
With sighing and sobbing and sad lamentation
A-saying ‘my blackbird most royal hath flown.
My thoughts they deceive me, reflections do grieve me
And I am o’re-burdened with sad memories
But if death it should blind me
As true love inclines me
My blackbird I’d seek out wherever he be.’
‘Once in fair England my blackbird did flourish
He was the chief flower that in it did spring
Prime ladies of honour his person did nourish
Because that he was the true son of a king
But this false fortune, which still is uncertain
Has caused a long parting between him and me
His same I’ll advance in Spain or in France
And I’ll seek out my blackbird wherever he be.’
‘The birds of the forest they all met together
The turtle was chosen to dwell with the dove
And I am resolved in fair or foul weather
In winter and springtime to make you my love.
He’s all my heart’s pleasure, my joy and my treasure
And dearly my true love, this heart follows thee
Who is constant and kind and courageous of mind
Deserving all blessings wherever he be.’
‘What if the fowler my blackbird has taken
Then sighing and sobbing shall be all my tune.
But if he is safe i shall not be forsaken
And hope yet to see him in May or in June.
For him through fire, through mud or through mire
I’d go for I love him to such a degree
May joy and renown and laurels still crown
My blackbird with honour, wherever he be.’
SongLore 
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