A Lad and a Hag

One day, feeling quite alone
Wishing for a lass fair and gay
I met an ugly crone
Slowly comin' my way

Her hair was long and white
And her shoulders were all bent
She was such a pitiful sight
Mumbling to herself as she went

I said : « oh my good lad,
Will you give me a kiss?
A groom like you I once had
And love I sorely miss. »

« If you kiss me, » I further said,
« I will change into a lass
With a fair and pretty head
And a mouth-drooling little ass.»

I thought I had nothing to lose
To find out if her words were true
And not some sick devious ruse
But there's one thing I had to do

Daunted by this grim enterprise
And dizzy with her reek
I held my breath and closed my eyes
And quickly kissed her on the cheek

Where the hag stood moments ago
Now was a girl young and fair
Her limbs were white as snow
And shining like gold was her hair

Very soon we were groom and bride
And we were giddy with delight
Of having my love by my side
Every day, and every night

But soon she showed her black heart
Always ordering me around
Keeping me and my friends apart
Growling at me like a bloodhound
One day I was fed up
And at last I walked out the door
And since then raised a lonely cup
For I had no friends anymore

Leaving her, I did not regret
For her breasts had begun to sag
I wish I fled the day I met
Long ago that crazy old hag

One day, feeling quite alone
Wishing for a lass fair and gay
A young lad met an ugly crone
Slowly coming his way...