Edinburgh city- William Wallace (Aber) 1907 Grieg D
[From Greig-Duncan Collection 4, version D. This is a version of Spanish Lady I with the first stanza reworked from 1776 bawdy song, "The Ride in London."
R. Matteson 2017]
"Edinburgh City," sung by William Wallace of Leochel-Cushnie collected by Greig about 1907, version D from Greig-Duncan Collection 4.
1. As I went up through Edinburgh city,
Being at twelve o'clock at night,
There I spied a Spanish lady,
Dressing herself with the candle light.
2. "Madam, I am come to court you,
In hopes your favour for to gain,
If you kindly entertain me,
Maybe I'll come back again."
3. "Sit ye down, ye're hearty welcome,
Sit ye down, ye're hearty so,
Sit ye down, ye're hearty welcome,
Whether ye come back or no."
4. "Madam, I've got gold and silver,
Madam, I've got house and lan',
Madam, I've got men and maidens,
All shall be at your comman'."
5. "What care I for gold or silver?
What care I for house or lan'?
What care I for men or maidens?
Al1 I want is a handsome man."
6. "Madam, you deal much in beauty,
That's a flower will soon decay,
The fairest flower in all your garden,
When winter comes, will fade away."
7. "Ripest apples soonest rotten,
Hottest love is soonest cold,
Young men's vows they're soon forgotten,
Pray, young man, don't be so bold.
8. "First comes lilies, next comes roses,
First comes April, next comes May,
After one there comes another,
All to pass the time away."