O who will o'er the downs so free O who will with me ride, O who will up and follow me To win a blooming bride? Her father he has lock'd the door, Her mother keeps the key, But neither door nor bolt shall part My own true love from me. I saw her bow'r at twilight grey, 'Twas guarded safe and sure, I saw her bow'r at break of day, 'Twas guarded then no more! The varlets they were all asleep And none was near to see The greeting fair that passed there Between my love and me. I promis'd her to come at night With comrades brave and true, A gallant band with sword in hand To break her prison through. I promis'd her to come at night She's waiting now for me, And ere the dawn of morning light I'll set my true love free.