Awake, Awake- Myrtle Wright (MO) 1914 Belden H
[My title. From: Ballads and Songs, 1940- Belden. The sixth stanza is found in a related version in the UK.
R. Matteson 2016]
H. [Awake, Awake] No title given. Contributed by Myrtle Wright, 1914; from her mother, who was born and lived in Ray County and had 'a store of ballads.' Another with the Silver Dagger ending.
'Awake, awake, you drowsy sleeper,
Awake and listen unto me!
For here beside your bedroom window
I am weeping almost[1] bitterly.'
'Oh, Mary dear, go ask your mother
If you my wedded bride may be;
If she says no, return and tell me
And I'll no longer trouble thee.'
'Oh, Willie dear, I dare not ask her,
For she has tried to set me free;
Oh, go your way and court another,
And stay no longer here with me.'
'Oh, Mary dear, go ask your father
If you my wedded bride may be;
If he says no, return and tell me
And I'll no longer trouble thee.'
'Oh, Willie dear, I dare not ask him,
For he is on his bed of rest,
And by his side lies a silver dagger
To pierce the one that I love best.'
'Oh, I could climb the tallest tree-top,
Or I could rob the richest nest,
Or I could court the fairest lady,
But not the one that I love best.'
Then Willie drew forth a silver dagger
And pierced it through his aching heart:
'Farewell, farewell to you, dear Mary,
You and I now must part.'
Then Mary picked up the blood-stained dagger
And pierced it through her snow-white breast:
'Farewell, farewell to you, dear parents;
Willie and I have gone to rest.'
1. 'Almost' should perhaps be 'all most.'