Queen Jane- Dunagan (KY) 1917 Sharp B
[My title. From: English Folk Songs from the Southern Appalachians, Vol 1, 1932 edition, by Cecil J Sharp, Maud Karpeles (Editor). Sharp's diary entry follows.
R. Matteson 2015]
Sharp diary 1917 page 293. Friday 12 October 1917 - Jackson
Felt very groggy in the morning, a warning that I have not yet got rid of the effects of that infernal fever. But I got better as the day wore on. We caught the 10 train to St Helens. First called at the Store where Snowden directed as to Dunaway’s house. Mr D & his wife both sing and they both sang us a song or two and promised to do more if we came to see them next Sunday. Then we walked through the wood to Mrs Dunagan who is now out of bed. She sang me several good songs but was very distrait owing to the visit of 2 women who haggled with her over the purchase of some of her potatoes — I am sure they cheated the old lady! We caught the afternoon train home and got to the hotel at 5. In the evening Sewell Williams came in and told me many things about the Running Set as danced in this County. Weather very cold indeed — froze last night.
No. 32
The Death of Queen Jane
B. [Queen Jane] Sung by Mrs. MARGARET DUNAGAN at St. Helen's, Lee Co., Ky., Oct. 12, 1917
Hexatonic (no 6th).
1. King Henry was sent for
All in the time of her need;
King Henry he came
In the time of her need.
2 King Henry he stooped
And kissed her on the lips.
What's the matter with my flower,
Makes her eyes look so red?
3 King Henry, King Henry,
Will you take me to be,
To pierce my side open
And save my baby?
4 O no, Queen Jane,
Such thing never shall be,
To lose my sweet flower
For to save my baby.
5 Queen Jane she turned over
And fell in a swound;
Her side were pierced
And her baby was found.
6 How bright was the mourning,
How yellow were the bed,
How costly was the shroud
Queen Jane were wrapped in.
7 There's six followed after
And six carried her along;
King Henry he followed
With his black mourning on.
8 King Henry he wept
And wrung his hands till they're sore.
The flower of England
Shall never be no more.