The Ballad of Lord Lovel- (NE) 1830 Clifton Johnson
[From "What they say in New England; a book of signs, sayings, and superstitions" Clifton Johnson 1897. If the date is accurate, this predates any extant print versions. Notice that although the text is similar to the 'comic form' published soon after 1830, the last line is not extended.
R. Matteson 2015]
THE BALLAD OF LORD LOVELL- As sung in New England in 1830
Lord Lovell he stood at his castle gate,
A-combing his milk-white steed,
When along came Lady Nancy Bell
To wish her fond lover good speed.
"Oh, where are you going, Lord Lovell?" she said,
"Oh, where are you going?" said she.
"I'm a-going, my Lady Nancy Bell,
Strange countries for to see."
"Oh, when will you be back?" Lady Nancy she said,
"Oh, when will you be back?" said she.
In a year or two, or three at the most,
I return to your fair bodee."
He hadn't been gone but a year and a day
Strange countries for to see,
When languishing thoughts came into his mind.
Lady Nancy Bell he would go see.
He rode and he rode his milk-white steed,
Till he came to fair London town,
And there he heard St. Varney's bell,
And the people mourning round.
"Is there any one dead?" Lord Lovell he said;
"Is there any one dead?" said he.
"The Lord's daughter is dead," the lady replied ;
"And some call her the Lady Nancee."
He ordered the grave to be opened forthwith.
And the shroud to be folded down ;
And then he kissed her clay-cold cheeks
Till the tears came trickling down.
Lady Nancy she died, as it might be to-day,
Lord Lovell he died to-morrow;
And out of her grave there grew a red rose.
And out of Lord Lovell's a brier.
They grew and they grew, till they reached the church top.
And so they could grow no higher;
And there they twined in a true-lover's knot.
Which true lovers always admire.