“I know a lad in Leitrim, I know a lad,” said she,
“I know a lad in Leitrim would give his heart for me!”
“I know a maid in Mayo, I know a maid,” said he,
“I know a maid in Mayo would give her heart to me!”
“Go to your maid in Mayo, go to your maid,” cried she;
“Go to your maid in Mayo, for all — for all of me!”
“Go to your lad in Leitrim, go to your lad,” cried he,
“Go to your lad in Leitrim, for all — for all of me!”
“And yet — and yet —” she faltered, “and yet — and yet,” blushed she,
“That lad may stay in Leitrim! It‘ s here I‘ d rather be!”
“And yet — and yet —” he echoed, “and yet — and yet —” smiled he,
“That maid may stay in Mayo. It‘ s there I‘ d have her be!”
‘ T is merry down in Kerry beside the laughing sea;
‘ T is merry down in Kerry when man and maid agree!