O as I was a-walking down by yon mill-town,   The fair and lovely mountains they did me surround;   'Twas there I saw a fair maid, and to me she looked grand;   She was plucking wild roses on the banks of the Bann.      So I stepped up to this fair one, and to her I did say,   "Since nature has formed us for to meet on this day --   Since nature has formed us, won't you give me your hand,   Aye, and we will walk together on the banks of the Bann."      Now it being a summer's evening and a fine quiet place,   I knew by the blushes that appeared on her face....   We both lay down together unto a bed of sand,   And she rolled into my arms on the banks of the Bann.      "O young man, you have wronged me; won't you tell me your name,   So that when the babe is born I may give it the same?"   "My name is Willie Archer, and I'd have you understand   That my home and habitation lie close to the Bann.      "But I cannot marry you, for apprenticed I'm bound   To the spinning and the weaving in Rathfriland town.   But when my time is ended I will give you my hand   And we will be married on the banks of the Bann."      So come all you fair maidens, take warning by me:   Don't go out a-courting by one, two, or three.   Don't go out a-courting so late if you can,   Or you'll meet with Willie Archer on the banks of the Bann.