[Arry]

Gil nudged Tomlin as they saw Ferdy and his Da come walking toward them, mugs in hand. ‘A song,’ he cried to his mates. ‘Ferdy’s here!’ With a glint in his eye, Gil nodded at Ferdy, then raised his chin to where Ginger was keeping the children entertained. The sun shone down on her reddish curls and her cheeks were red from the games they’d been playing. She had them gathered about her now, and they were weaving a crown of flowers.

As I walk'd thro' the meadows
To take the fresh air,
The flowers were blooming and gay;
I heard a fair damsel so sweetly asinging
Her cheeks like the blossom in May.

Said I, Pretty maiden, how came you here
In the meadows this morning so soon?
The maid she replied: For to gather some may,
For the trees they are all in full bloom.

Said I: Pretty maiden, shall I go with you,
To the meadows to gather some may?
O no, sir, she said, I would rather refuse,
For I fear you would lead me astray.

Then I took this fair maid by the lilywhite hand;
On the green mossy bank we sat down;
And I placed a kiss on her sweet rosy lips,
While the small birds were singing around.

And when we arose from the green mossy bank,
To the meadows we wander'd away;
I placed my love on a primrose bank
While I pick'd her a handful of may.

Then early next morning I made her my bride,
That the world might have nothing to say;
The bells they did ring and the birds they did sing,
And I crown'd her the sweet Queen of May.

As the song finished, Ferdy raised his mug again to his friends and shook his head at their cheeky behavior. ‘Alright, I surrender . . . now let’s hear another one, you lot . . .’