Constant Farmer's Son- Jack Turple (NS) 1952
[From Maritime Folk Songs by Creighton, 1961. Her notes follow, not sure why she thinks this version does not have the crime being discovered in a dream.
R. Matteson 2016]
For another variant of this song in which the crime is discovered through a dream see TSNS pp. 141, 142, Walter Roast, Chezzetcook.
THE CONSTANT FARMER'S SON - Sung by Mr. Jack Turple, Upper Kennetcook, June, 1952.
1. There was a wealthy merchant in London town did dwell,
He had an only daughter, parents loved her well,
She was courted there by lords and dukes but all did prove in vain,
For only one true farmer's son young Mary's heart did gain.
2 A long time Johnny courted her and named the wedding day,
Her parents they gave their consent, her brothers they said nay,
"There is a young man in this town and him you shall not shun,
You must betray or else we'll slay your constant farmer's son."
3 There being a fair not far from town the brothers went that way,
They begged of Johnny's company with them to spend a day,
As Johnny turning home that night he swore his race was run,
And with a stake the life did take of her constant farmer's son.
4 As Mary on her pillow lie she dreamt an awful dream,
She dreamt she saw young Johnny's form down by a running stream;
As she arose, put on her clothes, to seek her love did run,
In yonder vale she did entail her constant farmer's son.
5 The solid tears was in his eyes all mingled with his gore,
She tried for to console her grief and kissed him o'er and o'er,
She gathered green leaves from the trees to keep him from the sun,
And night and day she stayed away with her constant farmer's son.
6 The hunger pangs came creeping on, poor girl did shrink with woe,
All for to find his murderer it's straightway home did go,
Saying, "Mother dear, you soon will hear of the dreadful deed that's done,
In yonder vale lie dead and pale my constant farmer's son."
7 Up spake her oldest brother, he said, "It was not me,"
Then up spoke the younger man and swore most bitterlee,
But Mary said, "Don't turn too red nor try the truth to shun,
You've done the deed and you must bleed for my constant farmer's son."
8 The brothers soon confessed their guilt and for the same did die,
Poor Mary sat in deep despair and bitterly did sigh;
Her parents they both passed away for the length of life had run,
Poor Mary sighed, in sorrow died for her constant farmer's son.