London City- Margaret Gillespie (Glas) 1906 Greig B
[My abbreviated title. From Greig-Duncan Collection, Vol. 4, B version. This is a version of Spanish Lady I with the first stanza reworked from 1776 bawdy song, "The Ride in London."
R. Matteson 2017]
"As I Walked Up Through London City," sung by Mrs. Margaret Gillespie (1841-1910) of Glasgow, sister of Rev. Duncan about 1906; collected Duncan, version B from Greig-Duncan Collection.
1. As I walked up through London city,
Half-past twelve o'clock at night,
There I spied a Spanish lady
Dressing herself by the candle light.
2. Oh she is a charming creature,
What she is I do not know.
I will court her for her beauty,
Whether she be high or low.
3. Madam, I am come to court you,
Though your name I do not know.
I will court you for your beauty,
Whether ye be high or low.
4. Young man you think much of beauty
But that is a flower will soon decay.
The fairest flower in all the garden,
Soon will fade and droop away.
5. Madam I've got gold and silver
Madam I've got houses and land
Madam I've got men and maidens
All to be at your command.
6. What care I for gold or silver?
What care I for houses and land?
What care I for men and maidens?
All I want is a handsome man
7. Madam, you think much of beauty,
But that is a flower will soon decay.
The fairest flower in all the garden,
Soon will die and fade away.
8. First comes April then come roses,
Next comes the sweet month of May,
Next comes the two months of summer,
All will fade and pass away.