London City- John Johnstone (Aber) 1907 Greig E
[Fragment from Greig-Duncan Collection 4, version E. This is a version of Spanish Lady I with the first two stanzas reworked from 1776 bawdy song, "The Ride in London."
R. Matteson 2017]
"London City," sung by John Johnstone of New Deer collected by Greig about 1907 (As I went up thro' London City) Greig-Duncan Collection 4 pp.66-71 (version E). Mistitled, with music for version F.
1. As I went up thro' London city
About twelve o'clock at night
There I spied a Spanish lady
Dressing herself in the candlelight.
2. She had a basin full of water
And a towel into her hand
Five gold rings on every finger
Like an angel she did stand.
3. Oh, she was a charming creature,
What's her name I do not know.
But I'll go court her for her beauty,
Whether she be high or low.