The girl wishes to have a lover,
Even if she had to dig him from the ground,
For fifteen pence.

She dug down deep, she dug up the earth,
And only dug herself a clerk,
For fifteen pence.

The clerk had too much money,
He buys the girl whatever she wants,
For fifteen pence.

He buys her a narrow girdle,
Which glistens golden everywhere,
For fifteen pence.

He buys her a broad-rimmed hat,
Which would be fine for the sun,
For fifteen pence.

Fine for the sun, fine for the wind,
Stay with me, my dear child,
For fifteen pence.

If you stay with me, I’ll stay with you,
I shall give you all I have—
For fifteen pence.

Keep your wealth, let me stay merry—
No one else will have you
For fifteen pence.

I do not like your merriness,
You do not feel true love,
For fifteen pence.

Your heart is like a dovecote,
As one enters, another leaves,
For fifteen pence.