Rosemary Lane Lyrics

When I was in service in the Rosemary Lane
I won the good will of my master and dame
Till a sailor came there one night to lay
That was the beginning of my misery
He called for a candle to light him to bed
And likewise a silk kerchief for to tie up his head
To tie up his head as the sailors will do
And he said, "My pretty Polly, will you come too?
This maid, young and foolish, she thought it no harm
To lie into bed for to keep herself warm

What happened that night I may never disclose
But I wish that short night had been seven long years
Oh, on the next morning he so early arose
And into my apron three guineas did throw
Saying, "This will I give, and much more will I do
If you'll be my Polly wherever I go
"And if it's a boy, he will fight for the king
If it be a girl, she will wear a gold ring
She will wear a gold ring and a dress all of flame
To remind you of your time in the Rosemary Lane."