Gypsy Davy- M.E.H. (PA) 1907 Barry K
[My title. From: New Ballad Texts by Phillips Barry; The Journal of American Folklore, Vol. 24, No. 93 (Jul. - Sep., 1911), pp. 344-349.
This is one of two versions (the second was a compilation) given in the article. I've kept the letter K from Folk-Songs of the North Atlantic States. Barry gave 7 versions in an issue of JAF, 1905.
R. Matteson 2015]
4. [Gypsy Davy] THE GYPSY LADDIE (Child, 200)- The Gypsy Laddie," K, Folk-Songs of the North Atlantic States, from M. E. H., St. Mary's, Pa., April 1, 1907.
I. The Gypsy came to the lady's gate,
And O, but he sang bonnie,
He sang to the maids till their ears did ring,
And charmed the heart of the lady.
2. Then she came tripping down the stairs,
With her maids all before her,
A glass of wine in every hand,
To welcome the Gypsy rover.
3. She gave to him the nutmeg fine,
She gave to him the ginger,
She gave to him a far better thing,
The gold ring off her finger.
4. "Will you go with me, my dear?" he said,
"Will you go with me, my honey?
For by the sword that hangs by my side,
You shall not want for money!"
5. Then when her lord came home at night,
Inquiring for his lady,
One of the maids made this reply,
"She's gone with the Gypsy Davy!"
6. "Come saddle me the brown," he said,
"The black is not so speedy,
I have ridden all day, and I'll ride all night,
Till I find out my lady!"
7. He rode till he came to the wide water,
It was both deep and muddy,
It made the tears trickle down his cheeks,
When he beheld his lady.
8. "Could you forsake your house and home,
Could you forsake your baby,
Could you forsake your own wedded lord,
And go with the Gypsy Davy?"
9. "Yes, I'll forsake my house and home,
Yes, I'll forsake my baby,
Yes, I'll forsake my own wedded lord,
And go with the Gypsy Davy."
Io. "Last night I lay in a warm feather bed
My true love lay beside me,
To-night I'll lie in the misty mountains,
With the Gypsies all around me!"'