The Snowy Breasted Pearl

There's a colleen fair as May
For a year and for a day
I have sought by every way
Her heart to gain.
There's no art of tongue or eye
Fond youths with maidens try
But I've tried with ceaseless sigh
Yet tried in vain.
    If to France or far off Spain
    She crossed the wat'ry main
    To see her face again the seas I'd brave
    And if it's heaven's decree
    That mine she'll never be
    May the Son of Mary me in mercy save.

But a kiss with welcome bland
And the touch of thy fair hand
Are all that I demand
Would'st thou not spurn
For if not mine, dear girl
My snowy breasted pearl
May I never from the fair
With life return.