The Ballad of Green Broom [German translation]

There was an old man lived out in the wood,

And his trade was a-cutting of broom, green broom,

He had but one son without thought without good

Who lay in his bed till 't was noon, bright noon.

The old man awoke one morning and spoke,

He swore he would fire the room, that room,

If his John would not rise and open his eyes,

And away to the wood to cut broom, green broom.

So Johnny arose and slipp'd on his clothes

And away to the wood to cut broom, green broom,

He sharpen'd his knives, and for once he contrives

To cut a great bundle of broom, green broom.

When Johnny pass'd under a Lady's fine house,

Pass'd under a Lady's fine room, fine room,

She call'd to her maid: "Go fetch me," she said,

"Go fetch me the boy that sells broom, green broom!"

When Johnny came into the Lady's fine house,

And stood in the Lady's fine room, fine room,

"Young Johnny" she said, "Will you give up your trade

And marry a lady in bloom, full bloom?"

Johnny gave his consent, and to church they both went,

And he wedded the Lady in bloom, full bloom;

At market and fair, all folks do declare,

There's none like the Boy that sold broom, green broom.

• Artist:Unknown Artist (English)