The Maiden's Complaint- (London) 1828 T.Birt broadside
[Bodleian Broadsides online-
R. Matteson 2016]
The Maiden's Complaint - Printed by T. Birt, wholesale and retail, 10, Great St. Andrew-Street, Seven Dials London. Country Orders punctually attended to, Every description of Printing on reasonable terms. (Dated between 1828 and 1829)
Awake, awake, you drowsy sleeper
Awake, awake, it is almost day,
How can you be there and sleep so easy
Since my poor heart you have stole away.
Ah! who is that underneath my window?
Ah! who come there to disturb my rest?
'Tis thy lover, the young man did answer,
Long time I have waited for your sake.
Jemmy, says she, should my father hear you,
We shall be ruined I fear;
He will send a cruel press gang for you,
And separate you and me, my dear.
Her father chanc'd to overhear them,
And for a press gang sent straight-way;
Against this young man gave information,
And sent him sailing on the sea.
So now my dear daughter I have deprived you
Of your love whom I have sent to see; (sic)
And now you may send him a letter,
With your misfortunes acquainted to be.
Oh cruel father pay down my fortune
Five hundred pounds is due you know;
And I will cross the briny ocean,
To find my true love I will go.
Jemmy is the man that I do admire,
He is the man that I do adore;,
And if I can't have my heart's desire
Single I will go for evermore.