74
Chowan River
Here a stall or broadside ballad, probably British, has been made
over to fit a North Carolina locale. Chowan River is an arm of
Albemarle Sound. The story bears some resemblance to 'Nancy of
Yarmouth.'
'Chowan River.' Communicated by Edna Harris, with the notation:
"Mrs. Pollie Harris, my mother, sings it and she heard it from her
mother and her aunt."
1 Last evening as I rambled
All down by yonders river
I heard a lady lamenting
Which caused my heart to quiver.
2 These words, oh, she did say
(If I was only with her!)
'The one that I love dearly
Has gone over Chowan River.
3 'The ship has just sailed away,
A-bounding for the ocean.
My father has hired the captain
And given him a very large portion
4 'To carry my lover away.
All on the seas to drown him.
Oh, gracious God above,
How they did crowd around him !
5 'The captain and my lover
Were on the deck a-walking,
And like two loving brothers
Together they were talking.
262 NORTH CAROLINA FOLKLORE
6 'The captain pushed my lover overboard
All in the sea to drown him.
Oh, cursed be the captain
And all of his portion !
7 'My father told me not to grieve,
To wait a little longer ;
I told him that I would never
Marry any other,
8 ' "Oh daughter dear," said he,
"We've large stores of treasures.
And you may live out all of your days
In peace, love, and pleasures."
9 T'm tired of my life,
I'm ruined, oh, forever,
And quickly I'll lose my life
Here into this river.'
10 She plunged all in the deep
Where they could not save her.
Let's hope that God above
Is ready to receive her.