Gay Gold Ring- Wilkerson (OK) pre1927 Moores
[My abbreviated title. From Ballads and Folk Songs of the Southwest, Irene and Chauncey Moore; 1964. The Moores provided no information on the informant or the date this was collected. A quick check online showed that Irene Delight "Fannie" Wilkerson was born 1851 and died in Oklahoma in 1927. This was about the time the Moores began collecting so I'm dating it c. 1927.
This version is considerably different than the versions from the Maritime Providences in Canada. Only Child D and F have the "Seven long years he served his King," stanza. This is not based on Child G although some of he elements are the same. It appears to be unique and based on child D with elements- perhaps from this country.
R. Matteson 2014]
I Gave My Love a Gay Gold Ring- sung by Mrs. Irene Delight Wilkerson of Norman.
I gave my love a gay gold ring,
Saying, "Prize this ring above all things."
He gave to me a gay gold watch
To count the hours while he's away.
"If this ring remains bright of hue
Then know my love is all for you,
But if this ring turns pale and wan
Your love is with another gone."
Seven long years he served his king,
Seven long years and a spring.
He looked on the ring so pale that day;
He sailed again to his darling Mae.
By day or night he ran nor ate,
Till he came to the castle gate.
"What news, what news, of you I implore?"
[Words not remembered by singer.]
He took the ring from off his finger,
The ring that saved from harm and danger.
"Take this to my love where e'er she be;
Tell her her true love's home from sea."
She came trembling down the stairs,
Violets and ribbons in her long golden hair.
A glass of wine she poured from her own hands
And gave to the guests all standing around.
"What is your name and what is your degree?
What is your rank and from what countree?"
"Old England is my country, the place where born;
Haste to my love before comes the morn."
"Your true love stands outside the gate
This very moment for thee he waits."
"I'll go with him for evermore
And beg our bread from shore to shore."