For other versions of this work, see It was a Lover and his Lass.
From As You Like It.
IT WAS A LOVER AND HIS LASS
It was a lover and his lass,
With a hey, and a ho, and a hey nonino,
That o'er the green corn-field did pass
In spring-time, the only pretty ring-time,
When birds do sing, hey ding a ding, ding:
Sweet lovers love the spring.
Between the acres of the rye,
With a hey, and a ho, and a hey nonino,
These pretty country folks would lie
In spring-time, &c.
This carol they began that hour,
With a hey, and a ho, and a hey nonino,
How that a life was but a flower
In spring-time, &c.
And therefore take the present time,
With a hey, and a ho, and a hey nonino.
For love is crowned with the prime
In spring-time, &c.