Cruel Brother- John Clare (Northamp) c.1824 MS
[Standard title. Text is from Peterborough MS. 87 p.34, the words in brackets are those which Clare has deleted. Original text kept. Stanza 6 is the controversial stanza with "lover John," which appears the second time as "brother John" in stanza 8 and thereafter indicating that it's probably a mistake (or Freudian slip) in stanza 6.
R. Matteson 2018]
Cruel Brother- John Clare's MS from Helpston area, Northamptonshire c. 1824.
1 As three maidens played at ball
Aye & the lily aye
There came three knights among them all
& the roseys sweet in mary
2 The first gay knight was cloathed in green (white)
Aye &c &c
& he asked one maid to be his queen
& &c
3 The next good knight was cloathed in white
& he asked the maid to be his bride
4 The next good [k]night was cloathed in red
& he asked the maid if she would wed
5 O you must ask my father dear
Likewise my mother that did me bare
6 & you must ask my lover John
Likewise my sisters every one
7 O I have asked your father dear
Likewise your mother that did you bear
8 O I have asked your brother John
Likewise your sisters every one
9 Her father gave her at the door
Her mother swooned upon the floor
10 Her father gave her at the stile
& her mother swoonded for her child
11 Her father gave her at the cross
& her brother helped her on the horse
12 He had a penknife long & sharp
& prickt his sister to the heart
13 Ride on ride on you fast good man
I think your bride looks pale & wan
14 Ride on ride on you next good man (knight)
I think your bride goes bleeding on
15 Ride on ride on you jolly bridegroom
I think your bride is almost dumb
16 She rode till she came to yonder hill
& there she lit & made her will
17 What will you leave your father dear
My wedding steed that brought me here
18 What will you give your mother dear
My wedding dress
19 That she may long upon the grief
& see she has a daughter less
20 What will you leave your sister ann
All I do wear on my right hand
21 What will you give your sister Jane
My cambric cap & gown of green
22 What will you give your sister Sue
My wedding hat with ribbons blue
23 What will you give your brother Johns wife
Sorrow & trouble all her life
24 What will you give your brother Johns child
A father only a little wild
25 What will you give your brother John
The gallows mother to hang upon