Thyme it is a Precious Thing (Sprig of Thyme) (Trad) A variant of "Sprig of Thyme" collected by Cecil Sharp in Dorset. Thyme often symbolizes virginity in the English tradition. Sung by Foster & Allen, and also Norma Waterson
Thyme it is a precious thing
Thyme brings all things to your mind
Thyme with all its labors, along with all its joys
And thyme brings all things to an end
Once I had a sprig of thyme
I thought it never would decay
Until a saucy sailor he chanced upon my way
He stole my bunch of thyme away
This sailor gave to me a rose
I thought it never would decay
He gave it to me to keep me well-minded
Of the night he stole my thyme away
So come all you maidens brisk and gay
All you that flourish in your prime
Beware and take care and keep your garden fair
And let no man steal away your thyme