[1] On a high on a high on a high holiday on the very best day of the year
Little Mathie Grove to the church did go the Holy Word to hear

And some come in all dressed in white some in purple and blue
And then come in Lord Arnold's wife a flower among the few

She looked at him he looked at her the like had never been done
'til she got up and took his hand and bade him come along

Well they tossed and they turn–µd in the bed all night 'til they lay fast asleep
Wh–µn they woke in the new morn's dawn Lord Arnold stood at their feet

He said get up little Mathie Grove and put your clothing on
For it'll never be known in old England I slayed a naked man

I shan't get up I won't get dressed I fear so for my life
For you have got two very short swords and me not nary a knife

Well yes I've got two very short swords they cost me deep in purse
And you shall have the better of the two and I shall take the worse

And you may strike the very first blow and strike it like a man
And I shall strike the very next one and kill you if I can

Well Mathie struck the very first blow it hurt Lord Arnold sore
And Arnold struck the very next one left Mathie lay dead in his door

He turned his eyes to his wife in her bed the rage and the hate saw she
Who do you like best now he said little Mathie Grove or me

Very well do I like your brow said she very well do I like your chin
But I like Mathie Grove in all his gore better than you and all your kin

Well he took her by the hair on her head he led her through the hall
And with his sword cut off her head and kicked it against the wall