In Yonder Grove- George Cole (Dev) 1890 B. Gould
[Baring-Gould Ms. Ref. PC 1. 194 (96). The melody appears in Songs of the West with a different text under 96. Fair Susan Slumbered (version of Broken Token).
R. Matteson 2017]
"In Yonder Grove," Taken down from George Cole, quarryman, aged 76, Rundlestone, Dartmoor, 1890.
1. In yonder grove sat a lovely creature
Who she is, I do not know.
But I’ll go court her for her feature,
Whether she’ll answer me Yes or No.
O Maiden I am come a courting
If your favour I can gain
If that you will but entertain me,
Then I’m sure I’ll call again.
2.Sit down, fair sir, you’re kindly welcome.
And if your face I’ll ne'er see more,
I must & I will have a handsome young man,
Whether he be or rich or poor.
O madam you talk much of beauty
Beauty madam soon decays[1].
The sweetest flower that grows in summer
Winter coming fades away.
1. Beauty maid must soon decay (alternative line)