trad
Steve Gardham estimated the song was from circa 1800. The Bodleian Broadside Ballad Collection lists it in six books from the 19th century; the dating of these indicates it is at least as old as 1840. The various commentary from recording artists on Mainly Norfolk suggests that it was quite popular in the early 20th century and its verses likely evolved a lot during that period.
It was pleasant and delightful one midsummer’s morn
When the fields and the meadows we all covered with corn
And the blackbirds and thrushes sang on every green spray
And the larks, they sang melodious at the dawning of the day
A sailor and his true love went walking one day
Said the sailor to his true love, I am bound far away
I am bound for the East Indies, where the loud cannons roar
I must go & leave my Nancy, she’s the girl that I adore.
Then the ring from off her finger she instantly drew
Saying take this, my dearest William and my heart will go too
And whilst he stood embracing her, tears from her eyes fell
Saying may I go along with you, oh no my love, farewell.