1.
Rowland O neighbour, neighbour Robert,
my heart is full of woe.
Robert O neighbour, neighbour Rowland,
and why should it be so?
Rowland John Sexton woos my Peggie,
and that has brought me pain.
Robert Content you, jolly Rowland,
in sooth she does but feign.
2.
Rowland The two are in the churchyard.
Robert Fie! fie! what harm in that?
Rowland They juggle there, I fear me,
and do I know not what.
Robert Be patient, honest Rowland,
and do as I shall say.
Rowland See, there they come together;
alas! my heart they slay.
3.
Robert Lie down, thyself concealing,
and hear what they may say.
Rowland Nay, rather I’ll be standing,
and chase them far away.
Robert Then I’ll forsake thee, Rowland.
Rowland But what hast thou in mind?
Robert My craft shall serve to help thee.
Rowland I’ll strike the sexton blind.
4.
Sexton My Margaret, what ails thee?
Why cast strange looks on me?
Margaret In truth, because thou lovest
not me as I love thee.
Sexton Hast thou forsaken Rowland?
Margaret That happened long ago.
Sexton Then shall I now possess thee.
Rowland Here lies one who says no.
5.
Robert God save thee, pretty Peggie,
I bring thee tidings drear.
Margaret And what is that, good Robert?
Thou hast not made it clear.
Robert Thy Rowland’s life is ended.
Margaret O Robert, is it so?
Robert Because thou lov’st the sexton.
Sexton Forever let him go.
6.
Robert O thou, hard-hearted Peggie,
thy Rowland brought’st to death.
Sexton O sweetest love, forget him.
Rowland I’ll rob thee of thy breath.
Margaret O Robert, much it grieves me.
Robert From thee it brings a mock.
Sexton Turn now to me and choose me.
Rowland The sexton will I knock.
7.
Robert But see where he is lying
that chose to love thee well.
Margaret Forgive me, bonny Rowland;
my pain no one can tell.
Sexton In vain is all thy sorrow;
come, Margaret, with me.
Margaret Tears cannot now help Rowland;
Sexton, I’ll go with thee.
8.
Sexton Straight shall my wedding follow.
Margaret I wish it to be so.
Rowland But hear me, neighbour Sexton,
a word before you go.
Margaret Lives still my lovely Rowland?
Sexton This wears my heart away.
Rowland Go hence and ring the church bells;
this is my wedding day.
9.
Margaret I love none but my Rowland.
Rowland Now, Sexton, go thy way.
Sexton Will Margaret forsake me?
Margaret Thou art a stupid jay.
Sexton Ne’er trust a fickle maiden.
Rowland Go dig the sexton’s grave,
For Margaret is Rowland’s;
so get thee hence, thou knave.