Water Ballad lyrics

'Come hither, gently rowing,
       &nbspCome, bear me quickly o'er
This stream so brightly flowing
       &nbspTo yonder woodland shore.
But vain were my endeavour
       &nbspTo pay thee, courteous guide;
Row on, row on, for ever
       &nbspI'd have thee by my side.


'Good boatman, prithee haste thee,
       &nbspI seek my father-land.'—
'Say, when I there have placed thee,
       &nbspDare I demand thy hand?'
'A maiden's head can never
       &nbspSo hard a point decide;
Row on, row on, for ever
       &nbspI'd have thee by my side.'


The happy bridal over
       &nbspThe wanderer ceased to roam,
For, seated by her lover,
       &nbspThe boat became her home.
And still they sang together
       &nbspAs steering o'er the tide:
'Row on through wind and weather
       &nbspFor ever by my side.'