75
Pretty Betsey
Deriving originally, no doubt, from broadside or stall print, this
does not appear to have been found elsewhere as traditional song.
Perhaps it is hardly that on the coast of North Carolina, but at
least it has been sung there. Stanza 4 is an echo from 'A Brave
Irish Lady.'
'Pretty Betsey.' Reported by L. W. Anderson of Nag's Head from
Alva Wise, one of his pupils in the school there.
1 There was a young lady in London did dwell.
She had a true lover most wonderful well ;
And when her old father this news came to know
He beat her so fearfully, he beat her so sore
Till Betsey was thrown in the bed to rise no more.
2 One day when the old man was down stairs asleep
So softly to the window did sweet William creep.
Saying, 'Betsey, pretty Betsey, I'd freely come to thee,
But your old cruel father is (juite over me.'
3 One day when the old man was upstairs asleep
So softly downstairs the old woman did creep
For to turn in sweet William pretty Betsey to see.
OLDER BALLADS MOSTLY BRITISH 263
4 When William had entered in Betsey's bedroom
Betsey turned over, saying, 'My doctor has come.'
'I'm not your doctor,' sweet William replied,
'But I'm your own true lover, and always shall be.'
5 Then Betsey turned over and unto him did cry,
'Oh, William, sweet William, pray what shall 1 do?
You see what I'm suffering over loving you.'
6 Then William laid down on Betsey's bedside.
Betsey turned over, in his arms she died.
'There's no other lady a-liking I'll take
For thinking of pretty Betsey who died for my sake.'