How often haunting the highest hilltop

I scan the ocean, a sail to see

Will it come tonight, love, will it come tomorrow

Or ever come, love, to comfort me



(Chorus "the boatman" in Gaelic):

O fare thee well, love, where'er thou be



They call thee fickle, they call thee false one

And seek to change me but all in vain

Thou art my dream yet throughout the dark night

And every moment I watch the main



There's not a hamlet, too well I know it,

Where you go wandering or stay awhile

But all its old folk you win with talking

And charm its maidens with song and smile



Doth thou remember the promise made me,

A token plead, a silken gown

That ring of gold with your hair and portrait

That gown and ring I will never own