138 The Happy Stranger
This retains in America approximately the form that it has in
England, where it is reported from Hampshire (FSE iii 37). In
this country it is known in West Virginia (FSS 346-7) and Ken-
tucky (Shearin 25). See also 'The Rebel Soldier, or The Poor
Stranger,' reported from Virginia and Kentucky (SharpK 11 212-
OLDER BALLADS — MOSTLY BRITISH 373
15), though this is the lament of a man, not a woman; and 'The
Inconstant Lover' (BSM 473).
'The Happy Stranger.' Communicated in 1923 by Mildred Peterson of
Bladen county.
1 As I was walking one morning in the woods
To hear the bird's whistle and nightingale sing,
I heard a young damsel making her moan,
Says, 'I am a stranger and far from my home.'
2 I stepped up to her and. bending my knee,
And asked her pardon for making so free :
'I take pity on you by hearing your moan,
For I am a stranger and far from my home.'