As I walked out one day, one day
I met an aged man by the way
As I walked out one day, one day
I met an aged man by the way
His head was bald, his beard was grey
His clothing made of the cold earthen clay
His clothing made of the cold earthen clay

I said, “old man, what man are you?
What country do you belong unto? ”
“my name is death—have you not heard of me?
All kings and princes bow down unto me
And you fair maid must come along with me

“I'll give you gold, I'll give you pearl
I'll give you costly rich robes to wear
If you will spare me a little while
And give me time my life to amend
And give me time my life to amend”

“I'll have no gold, I'll have no pearl
I want no costly rich robes to wear
I cannot spare you a little while
Nor give you time your life to amend
Nor give you time your life to amend”

In six months time this fair maid died
“let this be put on my tombstone, ” she cried
“here lies a poor distressed maid
Just in her bloom she was snatched away
Her clothing made of the cold earthen clay