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
And tried in vain.

Chorus:
If to France or far off Spain
She crossed the watery 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
Wouldst thou not spurn
For if not mine dear girl
My snowy breasted pearl
May I never from the fair
With life return.

Chorus