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Come All Young People
Evidently a broadside or street ballad, but the editor has not
found it elsewhere.
'Come All Young People.' Contributed in 1916 by J. W. Clayton, a
freshman at Trinity College at the time.
I Come all young i)eople far and near.
A lamentation you shall hear
Of a young man and his true love
Whom he adored and sworn to love.
26o NORTH CAROLINA FOLKLORE
2 He was but eighteen years of age
When first in love he was engaged.
He was a mason's only son.
It was by love he was out-done.
3 His father unto him did say:
'My son, don't throw yourself away.
You know she is of low degree
And came of a poor family.'
4 He went one night his love to see,
Hoping fier company to enjoy.
Her father unto him did say:
'Kind sir, forever keep away.
5 'My daughter is as good as you.
Forever bid my house adieu.'
Now this young couple was forced to part,
Which was the means that broke their hearts.
6 Next to her chamber she did take,
A solitary moan to make.
She wrung her hands, began to weep,
And fell into a silent sleep.
7 For many a doctor they did send
And much upon her they did spend;
But all of this was spent in vain,
For still in love she did remain.
8 She said, 'My mother, I'll tell to thee,
I wish once more my love to see.'
Her brother after him did go
When he her sorrows came to know.
9 'My love, what makes you look so pale?
My love, what makes your colors fail ?
Your cheeks were once as a rose so red
But now they are as dull as lead.
10 'Your eyes as black as any crow.
Down to the grave I think you'll go.*
Then off her fingers rings did take.
Saying, 'Always wear them for my sake.
1 1 'We will forgive our parents dear.
Although they've been cruel and severe,
We will forgive them both,' says she ;
*I am going to eternity.'
OLDER BALLADS MOSTLY BRITISH 26l
12 She wrang her hands, began to weep,
And fell into a silent sleep,
Bidding this world and all adieu
And everybody that she knew.
13 Next to the grave he was forced to go,
Dressed all in black from head to toe.
He lived and mourned about one year
But died and never enjoyed his dear.
14 Come all old people far and near,
A melancholy you shall hear ;
I hope you all will warning take
And never matches try to break.