Awake, Drowsy Sleeper- (LON) 1863 Such Broadside
[From: Bodleian Library online. This print by H. Such is similar to the other broadside but it has a different ending where the father gives consent for them to marry.
R. Matteson 2016]
AWAKE, DROWSY SLEEPER - Bodleian Broadside- Firth C17 (25). H. Such, Printer & Publisher, 177, Union street, Boro.' S.E. London. c. 1863 (between 1863- 1885)
Awake, awake, you drowsy sleeper
Awake, awake, it is almost day,
How can you be there and sleep so easy
Since my poor heart you have stole away.
Oh, who is that underneath my window?
Oh who is that that sings so sweet?
It's me, my dear, the young man made answer,
Long time been waiting for your sweet sake.
My mother lies in the next chamber,
My father he will quickly hear
So I'd have you go, love, and court some other,
Or whisper softly in my ear.
Oh no I won't go and court no other,
Since I have rifled your sweet charms
You are fit, love, for to leave your mother,
You're fitter to sleep in your true love's arms.
The old man heard in their conclusion
He gently stept out of the bed,
He popped his old head out of the window
But Jane's true love was gone and fled.
Daughter, daughter, I will close confine you,
Your brisk young lad I will send to sea
Then you may write to him a letter,
And he may read it in Botany Bay.
Jim is the lad that I do admire
Jim is the lad I mean to wed
And if I can't have my own desire
A maid I will go to my silent grave.
Father, father, pay down my portion,
Which is five hundred pounds you know,
That I may cross the briny ocean,
If Botany Bay is covered with snow.
Oh no I won't pay your portion
And you shan't cross the raging main,
For you and your love shall be married,
And that will ease you all of your pain.