Who is this babe who so softly sleeps,
Whom my ghostly hand cannot touch?
Though she is not mine to keep,
I must watch her for a while, watch her for a while.

Oh babe of mine please do not cry!
And though you know your mother not,
I shall hold you in my arms,
As a mother ought.

Why did I die for such a child?
Why did I leave her angel locks?
She sleeps so softly, deep and mild,
It tears my heart to see her!

Oh babe of mine please do not cry!
And though you know your mother not,
I shall hold you in my arms,
As a mother ought.

Now I must away, my darling girl!
I dare not shed a tear,
For if your father finds me here,
He will kill me again, I fear.

Oh babe of mine please do not cry!
And though you know your mother not,
I shall hold you in my arms,
As a mother ought.