Matty Groves

A holiday, a holy day
The first one of the year
Lord Arlen's wife came into church
The gospel for to hear

When the meeting it was done
She cast her eyes about
And there she saw little Matty Groves
Walking in the crowd

"Come home with me little Matty Groves,"
"Come home with me tonight,"
"Come home with me little Matty Groves,"
"And sleep with me tonight."

"Oh I can't come home, I won't come home,"
"And sleep with you tonight,"
"By the rings on your fingers I can see,"
"You are Lord Arlen's wife."

Little Matty Groves he lay down
And took a little sleep
When he awoke Lord Arlen
Was standing at his feet

Saying "How to do you like me feather bed,"
"And how do you like me sheets,"
"How do you like me lady,"
"Who lies in your arms asleep?"

"Oh it's well I like your feather bed,"
"And well I like your sheets,"
"The better I like your lady gay,"
"Who lies in my arms asleep."

"Well get up, get up," Lord Arlen cried
"Get up as quick as you can,"
"It'll never be said in fair England,"
"I slew a naked man."

And then Lord Arlen he took his wife
And he sat her on his knee
Saying "Who do you like the best of us,"
"Matty Groves or me?"

And then up sprung his own dear wife
Never known to speak so free
"I'd rather kiss dead Matty's lips,"
"Than you and your finery!"

And then Lord Arlen he stood up
And loudly he did roar
He struck his wife right through the heart
And pinned her against the wall

"A grave, a grave," Lord Arlen cried
"Lets put these lovers in,"
"But bury me lady at the top,"
"For she was of noble kin."