77
Fair Fannie Moore
Although evidently the work of some professional ballad-maker,
this has not, apparently, been found in ballad print. It is reported
from tradition in Vermont, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Arkansas,
Missouri, Minnesota, and Montana (see BSM 139, OPS 11 67-9).
The text in our collection corresponds fairly well with those re-
ported from Missouri, with numerous slight variations.
'Fair Fanny Moore.' Contributed by O. L. Coffey of Shull's Mills,
Watauga county, in 1939.
I Yonder stands a cottage all deserted and alone.
Its paths are neglected, with grass overgrown.
Go in and you will see some dark stains on the floor,
Alas, it is the blood of the fair Fanny Moore.
OLDER BALLADS MOSTLY BRITISH 265
2 To Fanny, so blooming, two lovers there came.
One offered young Fanny his wealth and his name.
But neither his money nor pride could secure
A place in the heart of the fair Fanny Moore.
3 The first was young Randall, so bold and so proud,
Who to the fair Fanny his haughty head bowed ;
But his wealth and his house both failed to allure
The heart from the bosom of fair Fanny Moore.
4 The next was young Henry, of lowest degree.
He won her fond love, and enrai)tured was he ;
And then at the altar he quick did secure
The hand with the heart of the fair Fanny Moore.
5 As she was alone in her cottage one day.
When business had called her fond husband away.
Young Randall the haughty came in at the door
And clasped in his arms this young fair Fanny Moore.
6 'Spare me, oh spare me !' the fair Fanny cries,
While the tears swiftly flow from her beautiful eyes.
'Oh no,' says young Randall, 'go home to your rest !'
And he hurled his knife in her snowy white breast.
7 So Fanny all blooming in her bright beauty died.
Young Randall the haughty was taken and tried ;
At length he was hung on a tree at the door
For shedding the blood of the fair Fanny Moore,
8 Young Henry the shepherd, distracted and wild.
Did wander away from his own native isle
Till at length, claimed by death, he was brought to this
shore
And laid by the side of his fair Fanny Moore.