Songs & Ballads from British Isles- Love Themes
B. Love Themes
10. William and Susan
11 . Henry and Ruth
12. The London Lawyer's Son
13. Ellen the Fair
14. The Dark-eyed Sailor
15. George Reily
16. Johnny German
17. The 'Prentice Boy
18. The Lawyer Outwitted
19. Canada-I-O
20. Caroline of Edinburgh Town
21 . The Dawning of the Day
22. The Bridgewater Merchant
23. Pretty Polly
24. The Sailor's Wife's Lament
25. Kate and Her Horns
26. The Dog and the Gun
27. The Spinster's Lament
28. The Bonny Light Horseman
29. The Carrier Dove
B. Love Themes
The texts in this section, chiefly narrative, often tell the sort of story that "inspired" the broadside doggerel of the sixteenth to nineteenth centuries in Britain. The words, composed by hacks, were usually "skimble-skamble stuff," but they managed to tell tales that pleased simple folk. For example, "William and Susan," otherwise known as "The Seaman of Plymouth," runs to 50 stanzas of mere doggerel, but it permits an honest and loving sailor to triumph over a well-to-do farmer and a squire. In "Henry and Ruth," otherwise "The Seaman of Dover," the heroine is a squire's daughter who through 44 stanzas is faithful to her sailor who demanded, "Receive me with love or destroy me with care."
A number of these ballads use the theme of the returned lover, who usually tests his sweetheart by a report that he is dead. They include "The Dark-Eyed Sailor," "George Reilly," "Johnny German," and "The 'Prentice Boy" (who does not lay any trick). One wonders nowadays how a girl could fail to recognize her lover at once, no matter how long he may have been absent, but the same question might be asked of Shakespeare or of the Roman writers of comedy.
Sometimes the girl was clever enough; there were the heroines of "Kate and Her Horns" and "The Dog and the Gun" (or "The Golden Glove"). Sometimes a betrayed girl was all too simple and pathetic, as in "The Dawning of the Day" or in "Caroline of Edinburgh Town," the latter a song whose pretty tune was used for several American ballads.
There is considerable variety in this group. "The Bonny Light Horseman" and "The Carrier Dove" are published songs that seem to have got into oral tradition as so many printed broadsides had done earlier.
10. William and Susan
Flanders calls this ballad of the trials and rewards of true love "The Seaman of Plymouth." The conventional elements of which it is composed — the parental opposition, the faithful girl, the return of the suitor wealthy, and the happy reunion — relate it to several others such as "The 'Prentice Boy" and "Charming Beauty Bright." Several other ballads in this manuscript show such combinations of themes and incidents: "Henry and Ruth" is most nearly like the present one. Flanders prints a tune with the note that it was sung nearly seventy years ago, which would have been about 1860. In wording there are several variations.
William and Susan
1. A seaman of plimouth sweet wiliam by name
A wooing to beautifull susan he came
At length he obtained her love and good will
And like wise her father admired him still
2. Her mother was likewise as well satisfied
The day appointed the knots should be tied
All friends were invited but sea by the way
Sweet susan she sickened and languishing she lay
3. They used their endeavors to raise her again
By learned physitians whose skill wasin vain
A week she continued sweet wiliam did grieve
Because of his love he must needs take his leave
4. He being commanded to sail the next wind
And leaveing a sorrowfull jewell behind
He says we will be married when i come again
If you by good fortune alive do remain
5. So long as i live ill prove true to my love
And susan i hope you will as constant prove
Never doubt it sweet wiliam my jewel said she
There is none in this world ill admire but thee
6. A tribute of tears then at parting they paid
The mother of susan and languishing made
And likewise her father was grieved to the heart
Yet never the less for a time they must part
7. Away to the ocean sweet wm. had gone
Where now we will leave him and show you a nun [anon]
How base and deceitfull her parents did prove
They counceled their child to prove false to her love
8. Now when this sweet damsel had languishing lain
Near five or six months she recovered again
Whose beauty was brighter than ever before
So that there were many her charms did adore
9. All did accounter [admire] that came in her view
Her name through the neighboring villages flew
To be the most beautiful creature on earth
Although nothing but a fishermans daughter by birth
10. Although she was courted by none of the worst
A welthy young farmer came to her at first
He called her his Jewell the joy of his life
She said pray begone i am another mans wife
11. By those solemn vows in a secret place
If i should prove false may i live in disgrace
The sharpest correction my punishment be
So therefore begone my presence quoth she
12. Next came a young squire and called her his dear
And said he would settle two hundred a year
Upon her if that she would be his sweet bride
I cannot i dare not you must be denied
13. Then unto her father and mother he went
Who haveing discovered his noble intent
And being ambitious for honor and gain
They strove to persuade her but all was in vain
14. Said she dear parents observe what i say
In things that are lawfull im bound to obey
For since you would have me perjured for gold
I cannot submit to the thruth i will hold
15. They found it was then but a folly to strive
So long as she knew that her love was alive
To bring her to mind any other but he
There fore the young squire and they did agree
16. To send this beautifull creature away
Along with a lady to holland and they
Would tell her love at his return she was dead
So that he some other young damsel might wed
17. Then would it belawfull to marry the squire
Who did her fair beauty and features admire
This was their contrivance to holland she went
Poor creature she knew not their crafty intent
18. For since that her parents would need have it so
In point of obedience she yielded for to go
Where now we will leave her and return to her love
Who had been gone from her two years and above
19. In wiliams long voyage he came to a rich place
Where he had not been but a very short space
Where fortune did favor him so that he bought
A bargain worth hundreds and thousands twas thought
20. Then laden with riches he came to the shore
He says my deare jewell whom i do adore
I will go and visit her before that i rest
My heart has been many months loged in her breast
21. Then unto the house of her parents he came
He called for his susan sweet susan by name
Atlength her dear mother did make this reply
Tis long since our daughter did languish and die
22. His heart at these tidings was ready to break
For some minutes he had not the power for to speak
Atlength with a flood of salt tears he replied
Farewell to the pleasures and joys of his bride
23. My sorrows are more than im able to bear
Is susan departed sweet susan the fair
There is none in this world will i marry since she
Is laid in her grave who is worthy of me
24. Their presence he quitted with watery eyes
And went to his own father and mother likewise
His own loveing parents and with them he left
His wealth because he of love was bereft
25. Resolved i am to travel again
Perhaps it may wear off my sorrow and pain
Take care of my riches tis treasure unknown
If i return not then all is your own
26. But if i should live for to see you once more
I make no great doubt the same you'll restore
Oh that i will son his dear father replied
[So] for his long voyage he straight did provide
27. He entered on board and away he did steer
The seas they were calm and the winds they were clear
At first but atlength a sad storm did arrive
Black clouds they did cover and darken the skyes
28. The seas they did foam and the billows did roar
Atlength they were driven upon a hollandish shore
Their ship was so shattered and torn up in deed
That they on their voyage could not safely proced
29. Now while they laid up their good ship to repair
He went to the city and walked here and there
As he was a walking along in the street
His beautifull susan he chanced to meet
30. He started as soon as her face he beheld
With wonder and joy he instantly filled
Oh tell me said he ye blessed powers above
Does my eye deceive me or is it my love
31. They say she has been burried a twelve month allmost
It is my dear Jewell or her charming ghost
Then straight he ran to her and found it was she
Then none in this world was so happy as he
32. Then said dearest Wiliam why dost thou roam
What destany has brought thee so far from thy home
The story she told him with watery eyes
Concerning the farmer and esquire likewise
33. They courted me long but i still said them na
With that my dear parents they sent me away
To wait on a lady with whom i am now
Because i refused to proive false to my vow
34. He presently told her of all his affairs
His riches his trouble his sorrow and care
And how he was going a voyage for to make
He did not know whither but all for her sake
35. But as he was sailing the weather grew foul
The seas they did foam and the billows did roar
Yet never the less on the turbulent sea
The waves were so kind they conveyed me to thee
36. I'll unto your lady and now let her know
You shall not serve her any longer but go
With me to fair plymoth where you shall be seem
As gay as her self or a beautif ull queen
37. They made a dispach and soon sailed away
The seas they were calm and the winds they did obey
So that in a short time to fair plymoth they came
And now he was clearly for changing her name
38. He told his father and mothe that here
By fortune kind favor had met with his dear
And we will prepare for the wedding said he
Her father and mother invited shall be
39. Then wiliam he hastened unto them at last
He told them the height of his sorrow was past
Since you say susan your daughter is dead
I have found me a beauty with whom i shall wed
40. Therefore i came to bring you the news
I hope that one favor you will not refuse
Oh honor me then with your presence i pray
And come to the wedding to morrow is the day
41. They promised they would and were pleased to the heart
For to think how bravely they'd acted their part
Now says her mother i have got my desire
We'll call home our daughter to marry the squire
42. The very next morning sweet susan was dressed
In sumptuous apparrel more gay than the rest
With the richest of silk that the world could afford
Embroidered with gold which was sent from on board
43. With dimonds and rubies her vester did shine
For beauty she seemed like something divine
Scarce ever was mortal more glorious and great
And likewise her modesty suited her state
44. Now when the bride down to dinner they set
Her parents and friends who had loveingly met
Her stately apparrel had altered her so
Her father and mother her face did not know
45. A health to the bride round the table did go
The mother of susan then taking the glass
To do as the rest spoke up with a grace
Our daughter if liveing would be in your place
46. With that the bride with modesty smiled
To think that her mother knew not her own child
Soon after the bride did arise from her seat
And fell on her knees at her dear parents feet
47. I am your own daughter which you did send
To holland but fortune has stood my good friend
And placed me secure in the arms of my dear
For which i may thank the blessed powers above
48. Her father and mother with blushes replied
The squire was in earnest to make you his bride
But since it is ortered by heavens decree
We greant you your bleessing so rise from your knee
49. Then wiliam spoke up with a notable grace
A fig for the squire bring him to my face
And crowns of bright silver with him ill let fall
And he that holds out longest shall shurely take all
50. They wondered how he had such riches obtained
But yet they beleived it was truly in the main
Because he appeared so gallant and gay
With music and dancing they finished the day
11. Henry and Ruth
A combination of several ballad themes appears in this "truelove" song. The beginning is like the "Jackie Fraisure" ballads (see Cox) with the girl in love with a sailor whose suit was opposed by her parents. Instead of being able to follow him to sea, however, she was confined by her parents, as in "Charming Beauty Bright" (see Cox). Henry, in order to free her, went to Spain, as in "The Rose of Britain's Isle" (see Mackenzie), though she could not accompany him, as she did in the latter ballad. A beautiful, wealthy lady proposed marriage, as in "Young Beichan" (Child, 53), which he at first refused but then accepted as second best to having Ruth (a reversal of the Beichan story). In the meantime Ruth was freed and, as in the "Jackie Fraisure" ballads, in seaman's attire she followed her lover. There, finding him married, she accepted the situation, Griseldalike, until the wife conveniently died. After Ruth revealed herself to Henry, they returned to England and invited the parents to the wedding, as in "William and Susan." On the whole the song shows an unusual association of the traditionally romantic ideas. It does not appear in any of the books examined.
Henry and Ruth
1 . A seaman of Dover with excellent art
Whose leaning and wisdom has gained the heart
Of many a fair lady in beauty so bright
To you this new ditty in brief I will write
2. Now now to be brief I will tell you the truth
Twas of a fair damsel whose name it was ruth
A squares young daughter near mid town in Kent
She was his hearts treasure his joy and content
3. Unbeknown to her parents in private they'd meet
And many a love lesson would often repeat
With kisses and tender embraces likewise
She granted him love so he gained his prise
4. He gave her a guinea in token of love
And swore by the sacred powers above
To wed the next morning but they were berayed
Twas all by the means of a treacherous maid
5. She told to her parents they both had agreed
So that they wer both in a sad fret indeed
They say that our daughter no sailor shall have
We had rather follow her corps to the grave
6. This lady was straight to her chamber confined
Where long she continued with sorrow of mind
And so was her lover for the loss of his dear
No sorrow was ever more sharp or severe
7. When long he had mourned for his jou and delight
Then under her window he came in the night
And sang forth this ditty my dearest farewell
For I in this nation no longer shall dwell
8. I am going from thence to the kingdon of Spain
Because I am willing that thou shouldst obtain
Thy freedom once more for my heart it will break
If thou art much longer confined for my sake
9. Those words which he uttered caused her for to weep
But never the less she was obliged to keep
Her silence a moment a moment in fear
Her honored Father and Mother would hear
10. Her parents they heard right pleased they were
But Ruth was distracted with sorrow and care
Confined to her chamber her sorrow increased
At her loves depature it hastened her grief
11. Now when that brisk Henry had entered on board
Kind heaven a prosperous gale did afford
He soon did arrive in the Kingdom of Spain
Where he with a merchant long time did remain
12. Then who ever finding him faithfull and just
Prepared him a place of honor and trust
Which made him as great as his heart could request
Yet wanting his Ruth hee was greatly oppressed
13. His grief was so great it could not be concealed
No honor nor riches no comfort could yield
But often in in private would weep and lament
For Ruth his fair beautiful lady of Kent
14. As he was expressing his sorrow in teears
A beautifull lady before him appears
All detached [decked out?] in her jewels so costly and gay
Who eanestly sought for his favors that day
15. She said noble sir I am wounded with love
And you are the person whom i prize above
The greatest of nobles that ever was known
pitty my tears and my sorrow full moans
16. I pity thy sorrowfull tears he replied
I wish i was worthy to make you my bride
But lady thy grandeur is greater than mine
Therefore i am sorry my heart to recline
17. O never be doubtfull of what may ensue
No maner of danger shall hapen to you
Of my own disposure i am I declare
Receive me with love or destroy me with care
18. Noble lady do'nt place your affections on me
You are fit for a lord of some nobler degree
And able to bear up your honor in fame
I am but a sailor from england i came
19. A man of mean fortune whose substance is small
I have not wherewith to maintain you at all
Noble lady according to honor and State
Now this is the truth which i freely relate
20. This lady then loveingly requested his hand
And said with smile ever blessed be that land
That bred such a noble brave sailor as thee
I value not riches right welcome to thee
21. My parents are dead I have jewels untold
Besides in possession a milion of gold
And you [shall] be lord over all that I have
Grant me your love which I eanestly crave
22. He turned aside to him self he replied
I am courted with riches and beauty beside
This maid I may have but of ruth I am denied
Therefore he consented to make her his bride
23. And married they were without further delay
So now we will leave then both gallant and gay
And speak of fair Ruth who in sorrow was left
At home with her parents all comfort bereft
24. Now when that brisk Henry had quitted the shore
They kept her confined a twelve month or more
And then they were plased to set her at large
By laying upon her a desprate charge
25. To flee from a sailor as she would from death
She promised she would with a tremulous breath
But mark well hereafter the truth you shall hear
She soon found away for to follow her dear
26. She packed up her gold and her silver also
In seamans apparrel away she did go
She soon found a captain with whom she agreed
To carry her over the ocean with speed
27. She soon did arrive in the kingdom of Spain
From citty to citty She traveled amain
Inquireing at every place for her love
Who had been gone from her twelve months and above
28. As she was walking along in the street
Her love and his lady she hapened to meet
But in such a garb as she never had seen
They looked like an angel and a beautiful Queen
29. In sorrow an tears she turned aside
My jewel is gome I ne're be his bride
But athough my thoughts and my hopes are in vain
I never'll return home to england again
30. But in this same city some service I'll find
It will be a joy and comfort to my mind
To see him sometimes though he thinks not of me
Since he has a lady of a nobler degree
31. But in this same city where Ruth did reside
This beautiful lady she sickened and died
Now Henry was left in possession of all
Yet tears from his eyes like a fountain did fall
32. As he was expressing his sorrowfull moans
Fair Ruth she came to him and made herself known
He started to see her but seemed not to cry
He says in my sorrows are mingled with joy
33. In time of his mourning he kept her in Spain
And then they returned home to england again
With Ruth and thousands that he did possess
So gallant and gay was fair Ruth in her dress
34. Now when he had taken up his lodgings untold
He shipped [slipped] of his robes of embroidered gold
And presently borowed a marriners suit
That he and her parents might have some dispute
35. Now when that brisk Henry had knocked at the gate
Before they were sensible he was so great
He soon found her father and mother likewise
Expressing their sorrow with watery eyes
36. Now Henry he smiled as he modestly said
where is my jewel that innocent maid
The fairest of nobles that thousands excel
I fear by your weping that all is not well
37. They cry O! she is gone she is utterly lost
We have not heard from her these twelve months almost
We wish in our hearts she'd been married to you
Then all these sharp sorrows we ne'er should have gone through
38. Now Henry he made them this answer again
I have lately returned from the kingdom of spain
From thence I have brought me a beautiful bride
I am to be married to morrow he cried
39. And if you will come to my weding said he
Both you and your lady right welcome shall be
They promised they would they accordingly came
Not thinking to meet such persons of fame
40. As they were a going from the church to the inn
Now these noble parents of ruth did begin
To know their dear daughter by a certain mole
Although she was clothed in gaments of gold
41. With transport and joy they flew to the bride
O where have you been my dear daughter they cried
That has made us distracted with sorow and care
For fear that we never should hear of the more
42. Honored sir many hazards ive run
To bring back my love and your dutiful Son
Receive him with joy for it's very well known
He wants not your wealth he has enough of his own
43. Her father he said as he modestly smiled
He's brought back enough since he's brought back my child
A thousand times welcome you are I declare
For weve been distracted with sorrow and care
44. Six long days in frolic and feasting were spent
The bells in the city they merily went
And many a fair pound was bestowed on the poor
The like of this wedding was never before
11. The London Lawyer's Son
Although this ballad has likenesses to other English ones, it does not correspond closely to any examined. The story of "A Gentleman of Exeter" in Green Mountain parallels it roughly; the young man in Douglass was not, however, a sea captain but left his loved one because of a relative's funeral. Dreams of him troubled her in Douglass, whereas in Green Mountain his ghost carried her away. Moreover, the name "Ralph" appears only in Douglass. "Early in the Spring" in Cox and Belden has much the same story but gives more importance to the letters the young man wrote and to the girl's protest that she had not received them, implying that relatives opposed to her first lover had tampered with the correspondence. "The Bailiff's Daughter of Islington" (Child, 105) starts with the girl's indiference to the young man's courtship, but from that point the story is different.
The London Lawyers Son
1. Behold a london lawyers som
A pretty youth near twenty one
Courted a charming lady bright
She was his heart and souls delight
2. He made his addresses to her still
Hoping to gain his loves good will
But all his labor proved in vain
For still her frowns increased his pain
3. Still causing him to make great mourn
At every sigh and bitter gran [groan]
Would seem pierce the ardent skies
And tears ran from his youthfull eyes
4. Said he my love my dear my joy
Fair londons glory why so coy
To him that toves you more than gold
One pleasant smile let me behold
5. To ease the anguish of my heart
[I] am wounded with a dart
Which wound theres none but you can cure
Oh let me not these pains endure
6. Why should i live to bear such pains
Why should i live thus bound in chains
And fetters like a captive slave
One smile or sent me to my grave
7. These words a deep impression made
Upon her heart atlength she said
I grant you life and libberty
None shall enjoy my love but thee
8. These words were peasing to the ear
And did as much the spirit cheer
As when a pardon brought at last
Unto a man arrayed and cast
9. No tongue was able to express
This young mans joy and hapiness
While she returned him love for love
And vowed she would ever constant prove
10. Besides all this a solemn oath
That minute passed between them both
Never to change or prove untrue
Whatever sorrow should ensue
11. He gave his love a dimond ring
And she returned as rich a thing
And they these pleges were to keep
Untill they should loves harvest reap
12. He gave his love a cheerfull look
She did the same and so they took
Their leave with melting kisses sweet
To wed whn as they next should meet
13. But oh the woefull turn of fate
Which makes them both unfortunate
For now atlast as you shall hear
A kinsman died [in] Gloucester
14. He at parents great request
Must needs go down among the rest
Unto this solemn funereal
This was a sad and solemn call
15. From his dear love for why we find
He being gone she changed her mind
Forgetting all the vows that past
But this her ruin proved at last
16. At large as you shall understand
There is an over ruling hand
That will in time just vengence take
On such as do their promice break
17. They do not go unpunished long
That do both friends and contience wrong
Justice will often seem to strike
That others will not do the like
18. And let us now return again
To our discourse that he doth remain
In gloucester a month or two
Aieantime this damsel proved untrue
19. He like a dear unspoted dove
Still sent her letters full of love
Declaring that he longed to be
In her sweet happy company
20. But that he was obleged to stay
And could not fairly get away
Never the less says he my dear
You have my heart though i am here
21. She being now so full of pride
Yet still his letters cast aside
And scarcely ever read the same
Because so ralph a courter came
22. With footman running by his side
He courted her to be his bride
His great appearance made her proud
For after him there pressed a crowed
23. With squires with their several train
This puffed her up with shadows vain
Her mother says daughter forbear
Let not this pomp your heart . . .
24. Think on the man that loves you so
And do not prove his overthrow
But she never cared what she said
Nor never in the least obeyed
At high commands but marriage strait
That night because she would be great
25. She thought she had the world at will
But every day her contience still
Would startle her and often say
Lady there comes a reckoning day
26. But let us return unto her love
Who sent fourteen letters or above
Kind letters to his joy and dear
But he no knews from her could hear
27. He wondered what the cause might be
Atlength this loyal lover he
Came home and haveing heard the news
He wept alas how could he choose
28. He wept he sighed and beat his breast
And says friends are you all in jest
Or can anyfair love prove to be
So fickled false and base to me
29. His father says dear son tis true
But never let it trouble you
But bear it with a patient mind
As good as she i hope youll find
30. Dear father this i dont dispute
[But] love has took so deep a root
[In my] poor heart that i cant see
[Anyone] in this world but she
31. I pitty her because i know
She will not long unpunished go
Oh that her dread full perjury
Oh let me see her face and die
32. He would have gone but being held
He says my souls with sorrow filled
So therefore dont compell me so
Alive or dead ill to her go
33. He to his chamber was conveyed
And as he on his bed was laid
He says dear friends and parrents you
See what the power of love can do
34. He languished a day or two
And then he bid this word adieu
Parents and friends they all likewise
Did bathe their cheeks with weeping eyes
35. As to his grave he was conveyed
Parrents and friends they were arrayed
In mourning at his funereal
While tears like showers of rain did fall
36. But yet one thing i have to say
This lady as in bed she lay
Sleeping in her bed each knight
Was waked with many a dreadfull fright
37. Sometimes his ghastly ghost she see
And as each night this lady she
Lie sleeping by her husbands side
And thus the ghost would seem to chide
38. Arrise thou worst of women kind
What peace or comfort can you find
If you con sidder how of late
You brought me to my ruin state
39. Pray therefore loge thou in his arms
Why doth he thus possess your charms
Come follow me and quit your bed
For you are mine alive or dead
40. Then in a flame he seemed to go
His apparition scared her so
That she fell sick and soon she died
And as she breathed he last she cried
41. Alas says she i am going henc
To answer for great offence
The sin of pride and perjury
Under which guilt i weeping lie
42. Farewell to all my weeping friends
Im going to answer for my sins
Its with a sad distracted mind
What mercy can i hope to find
43. Whoose rong my concience and my dear
But as i beg for mercy here
So let me have it now at last
This said from life to death she past
44. So let this now a warning be
To all of a high and low degree
And let them not for riches sake
By any means their promice break
12. Ellen the Fair
This broadside ballad was known in England as "Helen the Fair" also. The refrain in the Douglass song is its outstanding feature, suggesting that it was sung to a lilting tune. Except for minor word variations it is the same as the Mackenzie version.
Ellen the Fair
1. Fair ellen one morning from her cottage had strayed
To the next market town skipped this beautifull maid
She looked like some goddess so fair
Come and buy my sweet posies cried ellen the fair cried ellen the fair
Cried ellen the fair come and buy my sweet posies cried ellen the fair
2. Eve cowslips and jasmines and harebells so blue
Wild rosies and eglnt [eglantine] all sparkling with dew
The lilly the queen of the valley so rare
come and buy my sweet posies cried Ellen the fair, &c
3. Enraptured I gazed on this beautifull maid
While A thousand sweet smiles on her countenance plyed
And while I stood gazing my heart I declare
A captive was taken by Ellen the fair, &c
4. O could I but gain this fair numph for my wife
How gladly i'd change my condition in life
I'd leave the gay folks of the town and repair
To dwell in a cottave with ellen the fair, &c
5. And what need I care for the lordly or great
My parents are dead i've A noble estate
No lady on earth or princess shall share
My hand and my fortune with ellen the fair, &c
6. In A little time after this noble mans son
Was married to the lady his affections had won
When presented in court how the monarchs did stare
And the ladies all envied sweet ellen the fair, &c
13. The Dark-eyed Sailor
According to Green Mountain, this "returned lover" ballad probably belongs to the 1830s, having been printed first by the English
ballad printer, James Catnack.
The Douglass version uses no repetition, though "The Broken Ring" of Cox, "Young Willie's Return, or The Token" of Scarborough, and "The Dark-Eyed Sailor" of Green Mountain and of Barry all appear in five-line stanzas, with the first phrase of Douglass line 4 repeated, either to complete their line 4 or to begin line 5. The present version is quite complete. Lines 3 and 4 of stanza 5, lines 1 and 2 of stanza 6, and all of stanza 7 are lacking in Cox; stanzas 5 and 7 in Mackenzie; stanzas 4, 5, 6, and 7 in Scarborough; stanzas 6 and 7 in Green Mountain; and stanzas 3, 6, and 7 in Greenleaf. Gray, Brown, and Barry correspond closely with Douglass. The time of the sailor's absence varies from two years to seven, but Douglass agrees with Cox and Green Mountain in setting the time at three years. There are many word variations, a few of which would improve the rhyming of the Douglass version. Gardner and Chickering and Green Mountain print melodies; the latter mentions that the tune belongs to another ballad, "The Female Smuggler."
14. The Dark Eyed Sailor
1. It is of A combly young lady fair
That was walking out to take the air
She met A sailor upon the way
So I paid attention to hear what they did say
2. Fair maid said he why you roam alone
The night is coming and the day is far gone
She said while tears from her eyes did fall
Tis my dark eyed sailor that is proveing my downfall
3. These three long years since he has left this land
A gold ring he took from oft my hand
He has broke the token here is half with me
And the other is rolling to the bottom of the sea
4. Says william drive him from your mind
As good A sailor as him you'll find
Love turns aside and cold does grow
Like a winters morning when the hills are clad with snow
5. These words young phebes heart enflamed
She cried on me you'll play no game
She drew A dger and then did say
For my dark eyed sailor a maid i'll live and dye
6. His coal black eyes and curley hair
His flatering tonge did my heart ensnare
Genteel he was no rake like you
To advise a maiden to stight A jack A blue [slight a jacket blue]
7. A tarry sailor ill never disdain
But always treat him with the same
To drink his health here is a peace of coin
But my dark eyed sailor still this heart of mine
8. When wiliam did the ring unfold
She seemed distracted midst joy and woe
You are welcome wiliam I have land and gold
For my dark eyed sailor so manly true and bold
9. In A cottage down by the river side
In peace and unity they do reside
So girls be true while your love is away
For a clowdy morning oft brings A pleasant day
15. George Reily
This is another story about an English sailor who returns after three years, tests his sweetheart's loyalty, and finds her still faithful. Besides the version printed below, there is in the Douglass Manuscript a shorter copy, the wording of which is somewhat confused. Although this Douglass version is longer than the versions in Sharp or Thompson, it is much like that in Cox and corresponds almost word for word with Eddy. Sharp prints several melodies.
George Reily
1 . On a bright summers morning the weather being fair
I strolled for a season down by the river clear
Where I overheard a damsel most grievously complain
All for an absent lover that ploughs the distant main
2. I being unpercived did unto her draw near
Where I lay in ambush the better for to hear
With doleful lamentations and melancholy cries
Whilst sparkling tears like crystal was streaming from her eyes
3. Crying oh cruel fortune to me has proved unkind
As my true love has left me no comfort can I find
While she was thus lamenting and grieving for her dear
I saw a gallant sailor unto her draw near
4. With eloquence most complaisant did he address the fair
Saying sweet lovely fair one why do you mourn here
All for an absent lover the fair one did reply
Which causes me to wander for to lament and cry
5. Its three long years and better his absence I have mourned
And the war is ended he is not yet returned
Why should you grieve for him alone this sailor he did say
Perhaps his mind is altered or changed some other way
6. If you will but forget him and fix your mind on me
Till death doth demand me to you I'll faithful be
To which this fair maiden answered sir that never can be
I never can admire any other but he
7. He is the darling of my heart none else can I adore
So take this as an answer and trouble me no more
Then said this gallant sailor what is your true love's name
Both that and his description i wish to know the same
8. It is really most surprising that he was so unkind
As to leave so fair a creature in sorrow here behind
George Reily I call him a lad both neat and trim
So manly in deportment that few can excel him
9. His amber locks in ringlets his sturdy shoulders bare
And his skin far exceeding the fragrant lily fair
Fair maid I had a messmate georg reily was his name
I am sure from your description that he must be the same
10. Three years we spent together in the old Belflew
And such a gallant comrade before i never knew
It was on the twelfth of april near Port royal bay
We had a tight engagement before the break of day
11. Between Rodney and de gras where many a man did fall
Your true love he fell by a french cannon ball
Whilst weltering in his blood your generous love did lay
With faull'ring [faltering] voice and broken sighs these words I heard him say
12. Fare well my dearest Nancy were you but standing by
To gaze the last upon me contented would I die
This mealancholy story wounded her so deep
She wrung her hands in anguish and bitterly did weep
13. Crying my joys are ended if what you say be true
Instead of having pleasure I've naught but grief in view
On hearing which his person no longer he concealed
He flew in to her arms and his person did reveal
14. Now these constant lovers did each other embrace
He kissed the bright tears from her cheeks and wiped her weeping face
Saying my dearest Nancy with you I'll ever stay
I'll never more depart till my mainmast's cut away
16. Johnny German
Again the lover returns to a faithful sweetheart who has waited, sorrowing, for months or years. Belden reports finding only Amer-
ican records of this song, though the fact that its locale is London suggests British origin. Cox mentions a Boston broadside, "Johnny Jarman," of about 1820.
The Douglass version, a little longer than any other examined, tells the story smoothly and completely. The period of Johnny's absence varies from five months in Douglass to five years in Belden. There is little other variation in the story. Although neither Cox nor Mackenzie gives the ballad a specific locale, Belden, Sharp, Brown, and Gardner and Chickering agree with Douglass in naming London. Many variations in wording occur, the most noticeable of which are Sharp's use of the name "Molly," Cox's "Johnny Germany," and Mackenzie's "Captain Roe." Sharp prints a tune (II, 256).
Johny German
1. When first i came from london to hear this happy news
It's i'll relate it unto you if you'll not refuse
Of a brisk and a jolly sailor a jolly hearted lad
Who met with pretty fair damsel whose countenance was sad
2. He asked her the reason and why she was thus cast down
She answered him with modesty but never smiled a frown
Tis all for the sake of my own true love who long to sea has been gone
And he has left me no love token that he ever will return
3. Perhaps i knew this young man when i was last at sea
If i ascribe [describe] him right to you tis you shall answer me
And if i ascribe him right to you and you the man doth know
Tis you shall promice for to marry me if he comes not to you
4. His heart was brisk and jolly no courage doth he lack
He's comely in every feature whreas [to no one] he turns his back
Hes aboard of the famous rainbow a mate to captain low
His name tis johny German is this the man you know
5. Oh how she jumpeg for joy saying tis the vry man
Pray tell me where he's liveing that i no longer stand
Cheer up cheer up cheer up preety maid for very well i know
Your true love johny german was dead five months ago
6. Oh how she wrung her lilly white hands and tears run down her cheek
Being filled with grief and sorow not one word could she speak
She betook herself to her chamber resolving there to lie
Making great lamentatiion wishing herself to die
7. To think how he had greaved her he greaved her heart full sore
To think how once he loved her and now heed served her so
He dressed himself in scarlet clothes and back to her he came
With ajoyfull resolution to comfort her again
8. Saying arise my dearest poly and leave your tears behind
For i have come to comefort you and comefort you shall find
And straightway for to oblige him she got up for to see
And who but johny german could this young seaman be
9. Its why did you grieve me you greaved my heart full sore
Tis polly now believe me and ill do so no more
It was only to try your constancy to see if you were true
I never saw no turtle dove that ever exceeded you
10. Farewell to the famous rainbow since polly got my heart
No one shall take it from her till death it doth us part
She brighter than the morning star she's fairer than the rose
. . . she doth exceed all flowers that in old england grows
17. The 'Prentice Boy
Often known as "Cupid's Garden," this song has been a favorite English one, printed in many songsters. It appeared in Boston broadsides about 1814. The story is much like that of the "returned lover" ballads except that the man does not make any trial of the girl's love.
There is very little variation between the Douglass version and the ones in Kenedy, Pound, Mackenzie, and JAFL (II, 195). The Ozark version is shorter than that in Douglass. The most notable differences in wording are in stanza 2, where Douglass has "his" cheeks and "his" humor, with the lady promising to marry the youth, and in stanzas 4 and 5, where Douglass attributes the hero's good fortune to a lottery prize, whereas Ozark says he earned two thousand pounds by his adherence to duty on a trip to Boston, Portsmouth, and back to London. JAFL prints a tune.
The 'Prentice Boy
1. As down in cupid's garden for pleasure I did walk
I heard two loyal lovers most sweetly for to talk
It was a brisk young lady and her 'prentice boy
And in private they were courting for he was all her joy
2 . He said dear honour'd lady I am your 'prentice boy
How ever can I think a fair lady to enjoy
His cheeks as red as roses his humour kind and free
She said dear youth if e'er I wed I'll surely marry thee
3. But when her parents came this to understand
They did this young man ba[n]ish to some foreign land
While she lay broken hearted lamenting she did cry
For my honest charmind 'prentice a maid I'll live and die
4. This young man to a merchant a waiting man was bound
And by his good behaviour great fortune there he found
He soon became a butler whitch prompted him to fame
And for careful conduct the steward he became
5. For a ticket in a lottery his money he put down
And there he gained a prize of twenty thousand pounds
With store of gold and silver he packed up his clothes indeed
And to England return'd to his true love with speed
6. He offered kind embraces but she flew from his arms
No lord duke or nobleman shall e'er enjoy my charms
The love of gold is cursed great riches I decry
For my honest charming prentice a maid I'll live and die
7. He said dear honor 'd lady I have been in your arms
This is the ring you gave for loying in [toying with] your
charms
You vowed if e'er you married your love I should enjoy
Your father did me banish I was your 'prentice boy
56 A Vioneer Songster
8. When she beheld his features she flew into his arms
With kisses out of measure she did enjoy his charms
Then so through cupid's garden a road to church they found
And there in virtuous pleasure in hymen's bans were bound
18. The Lawyer Outwitted
This eighteenth-century broadside ballad was sung to the tune, "I'll Love Thee More and More." The Douglass Manuscript tells the trickster tale in more detail than either Sharp or Green Mountain; Sharp does not have Douglass stanzas 8, 13, 19, 22, and Green Mountain does not have Douglass stanzas 2, 5, 6, 9, 10, 20, 21, 22, nor the first two lines of stanzas 18 and 19. The Shoemaker (3) version, however, corresponds quite closely with the Douglass one except for the use of eight-line stanzas, the interchanging of four lines (Douglass stanzas 20 and 2 1), and better rhymes. The Douglass version is clearer if Shoemaker's words are substituted in line 2, stanza 7, "Like a true politician," and line 3, stanza 20, "From royal loins descended." The "gorden" of stanza 22, in Shoemaker is the "guardian knot"; the reference is probably to the Gordian knot cut by Alexander the Great.
The Lawyer Outwitted
1. Of A rich counceler I write
Who had one only daughter
She was a perfect beauty bright
Mark well what follows ater
2. Her uncle left her I declare
A sumptious large portion
Her father was for to ta care
Of her at his discretion
3. She has ten thousand pounds a year
In gold and silver ready
And courted was by lords and pears
But none could gain this lady
4. At length the esq youngest Son
In private came a wooing
And when he had her favor won
She feared he was at her ruin
5. The damsel then did thus reply
I must confess I love thee
Both lords and knights I have denied
But there is none I prise above thee
6. You are A jewel in mine eye
But thus said she the care is
I fear you will be doomed to die
For steatingr of an heires
7. The young man made her this reply
It was with true polution
Your father is A counceler
I'll tell him my condition
8. Ten guineas it shall be his fee
He'll think it is some stranger
Then for the gold will counsell me
And keep me free from danger
9. The young man unto him did go
The very next day after
But did not let the lawyer know
It was his daugter
10. But when the lawyer saw the gold
That he should be the gainer
A pretty trick to him he told
In safety to obtain her
11. Let her provide A horse he cried
And let her take you up behind her
And then unto some parson ride
Before her parents find her
12. Then she'll steal you you may be sure
And so avoid their fury
For this is law I will maintain
Before both judge and jury
13. I give you here my hand an seal
Whitch I can not deny you
And if you any trouble fear
In court I will stand by you
14. I give you thanks the young man cried
By you I am befriended
I'll bring her home into thy house
After the work is ended
15. The very next morning at break of day
This news to her he carried
She did her fathers counsel take
And they were fairley married
16. All night as they had took their ease
In joy beyond expresion
She home returned down on her knees
And ask her fathers blessing
17. Now when the lawyer saw them both
He seemed like one distracted
He vowed on both he'd be revenged
For what they then had acted
18. O then bespeaks this new married son
There cant be no Indicting
For this is law what we have done
Here is your own hand writing
19. The lawyer then did thus reply
Was ever man so bitter
My hand and seal I cant deny
By you I am outwitted
20. She might have had both lords and knights
Of royal high assended
But since you are her hearts delight
I will not be offended
21. She has ten thousand pounds A year
Thats left her by my brother
And when I die she will have more
For child I have no other
22. If I the gorden then should break
And prove cruel out of measure
Enjoy your love with all my heart
In plenty peace and pleasure
19. Canada-I-O
"Canada-I-O," like "William Taylor" and "Jack Munro," tells of a girl's following her lover to sea, but the outcome is different. Instead of marrying the man whom she follows, she marries the captain.
Linscott traces this song to an old love song, "Caledonia," printed in Caledonia Garland (1800). A lumberman's song, named "Canada-I-O," a parody of this earlier ballad, is reported by Barry, by Gray, and by Linscott; when lumbering moved west, the song became "Michigan-I-O" as in Gardner and Chickering.
The captain's promise that the girl shall soon see Canada-I-O (stanza 4, line 4) is the only noteworthy way in which the Douglass ballad differs from the one Jackson reprints from The Forget-Me-Not Songster (Philadelphia, [c.1840]). In the latter, probably by confusion with the previous stanza, the captain, also, tells her she never shall see Canada.
Canada I O
1 . There was a gatlant lady all in her tender youth
She dearly lov'd a sailor in truth she lov'd him much
And for to get to sea with him the way she did not know
She long'd to see that pretty place called Canada I O
2. She bargained with a sailor all for a purse of gold
When straightway he led her down into the hold
Saying I'll dress you up in sailors clothes the colour shall be blue
You soon shall see that pretty place called Canada I O
3. And when her lover heard of this he flew into a rage
And the whole ship's company was willing to engage
Saying I'll tie your hands and feet my love and overboard you'll go
You ne'er shall see that pretty place called Canada I O
4. Up step'd the noble captain and says that thing shant be
For if you drown that fair maid all hanged you shall be
I'll dress you up in sailors clothes the colour shall be blue
You soon shall see that pretty place called Canada I O
5. She had not been in Canada for the space of a half a year
Before this captain married her and called her his dear
She does dress in silks and satins and she cuts a gallant show
She's now the finest lady in Canada I O
6. Come all you pretty fair maids where ever you may be
You must follow your true lovers when they are gone to sea
And if the mate proves false to you the captain he'll prove true
You see what honour I have gained by wearing of the blue
20. Caroline of Edinburgh Town
"Caroline of Edinburgh Town," one of the most popular of tragic "true-love" ballads, has been found in over a dozen of our states as well as in Nova Scotia. It is an English broadside ballad, reprinted in the United States in such songsters as Forget-Me-Not.
The Douglass version has only minor variations from Linscott and from Gardner and Chickering. These versions are more complete than any others examined, as stanzas 6 and 7 are lacking in Cox, 6, 7, and the first two lines of 10 in Mackenzie, and stanza 7 in Shoemaker ( 3 ) ; the last two lines of 4 and the first two of 5 are lacking in one version in Green Mountain, and stanzas 1, 4, and 5 in the other (though this version has five lines not in Douglass); and stanzas 4, 7, 8, 10, and 11, as well as the first two lines of stanza 6, are not in Eddy. Ozark version A omits Douglass stanzas 6, 7, 10; version B omits Douglass stanzas 7, 11, and the last two lines of 4 and 8. Brown omits Douglass stanza 6 in both versions and 7 in version A. Green Mountain, Ozark, and Linscott give music. The familiar tune is one to which other words, such as "The Loss of the Albion," have been set. "The Rasano- Canal" is another York State song in the same rhythm.
Caroline of Edinburg Town
1 . Come all young men and maidens attend unto my rhyme
Its of a young damsel who was scarcely in her prime
She beat the blushing roses and admired by all round
Was lovely young Caroline of Edinburg town
2. Young henry was a Highland man a courting to her came
And when her parents came to know they did not like the same
Young Henry was offended and unto her did say
Arise my dearest Caroline and with me run away
3. We will both go to london love and there we'll wed with speed
And then lovely Caroline shall have hapiness indeed
How enticed by young Henry she put on her other gown
And away went young Caroline of Edinburg town
4. Over the hills and lofty mountains together they did roam
In time arrived in London far from her happy home
She said my dearest henry pray never on me frown
Or you'll break the [heart] of Caroline of Edinburg town
5. They had not been in london more than half a year
When hard hearted Henry proved to severe
Said henry I will go to sea your friends did on me frown
So beg way without delay to Edinburg town
6. The fleet is fitting out to Spithead dropping down
And I will join the fleet to fight for King and crown
The gallant tars may feel the scars or in the water drown
Yet I never will again return to Edinburg town
7. Then many a day she passed away in sorrow and despair
Her cheeks though once like roses wre grown like lillies fair
She cried where is my Henry and often did she swoon
Crying sad's the day I ran away from Edinburg town
8. Oppress'd with grief without relief the damsel she did go
Into the woods to eat such fruit as on the bushes grow
Some strangers they did pity her and some did on her frown
And some did say what made you stray from Edinburg town
9. Beneath a lofty spreading oak this maid sat down to cry
A watching of the gallant ships as they were passing by
She gave three shriek for Henry and plung'd her body down
And away floated Caroline of Edinburg town
10. A note likewise her bonnet she left upon the shore
And in the note a lock of hair with the words I am no more
And fast asleep I'm in the deep the fish are waching round
Once comely young Caroline of Edinburg town
11. Come all you tender parents ne'er try to part true love
You're sure to see in some degree the ruin it will prove
Likewise young men and maidens ne'er on your lover frown
Think on the fate of Caroline of Edinburg town
21. The Dawning of the Day
The conventional ballad theme of love betrayed appears again in this broadside ballad. The Douglass story is longer than the Mackenzie version, which omits Douglass stanzas 3, 6, and 8, and there are some variations in wording between the two. Although there are in Douglass such commonplaces as "rosy cheeks" and "skin like lilies fair," there is also the unusual line, "And her hair like shining silver twist lay on her shoulders bare." Mackenzie (p. 398) gives a tune from Nova Scotia. The tune given in JAFL (XXV [191 2], 282-283) is identified as an Irish air.
The Dawning of the Day
1. It was on one fine morning all in the summer time
Each bush and tree was dress'd in green and alley's in their prime
Returning homewards from a wake thro' the fields I took my way
And there I spied a pretty fair maid at the dawning of the day
2. No shoes nor stockings cap nor cloak this lovely maid did wear
And her hair like shining silver twist lay on her shoulders bare
With milking pails all in her hand so nobly and so gay
She did appear like venus bright at the Dawning of the day
3. Her cheeks were like roses in bloom her skin like lillies fair
Her breath was like lavender perfumed with balmy air
She did appear like Helen fair or Flora queen of may
This angel bright did me delight at the dawning of the day
4. Where are you going my pretty maid where are you going so soon
I'm going amilking sir said she all in the month of June
For the pasture I mist go to it is so far away
That I must be there each morning at the dawning of the day
5. Youve time enough my dear said I suppose it was a mile
Come sit down on this primrose bank and let us chat awhile
Ah no kind sir my hurry will admit no delay
Look round the morning breaks 'tis the dawning of the day
6. Oh do not be so distant my only hearts delight
For I alas am wounded all by your beauty bright
forbear dont banter me this lovely maid did say
I cant suppose you'd me seduce at the dawning of the day
7. As thus she spoke my arms entwined around her lovely waist
I sat her on a primrose bank I there did her embrace
Leave off your freedom sir said she and let me go on my way
For the time is come I must be gone it is the dawning of the day
8. But when this lovely damsel came to herself again
With heavy sighs and downcast eyes she sorely did complain
And said young man I'm much afraid you will me betray
My virgin bloom you got so soon at the dawning of the day
9. We rose shook hands and departed and crossed o'er the plain
And in the course of seven months we there did meet again
She seem'd to me so dropsical as I pass'd o'er the fay
And carelessly I passed her at the dawning of the day
10. The tears run down her rosy cheeks and bitterly she cried
And said young man I think it's time that i was made your bride
Oh make good the damage done as you before did say
And dont forget the time we met at the dawning of the day
11. I said sweet lovely damsel I hope you'll me excuse
For to join you in wedlock's band indeed I must refuse
For I've been lately married to a maid near Bantry bay
By whom I got three hundred pounds at the dawning of the day
12. This suden blucnt refusal did not with her agree
I think you'll gain no credit sir by thus deluding me
For I may a warning be to other maidens gay
And never trust a man alone at the dawning of the day
22. The Bridgewater Merchant
Often known as "In Bruton Town" or "The Bramble Briar," this English ballad tells the story of a girl's lover who is killed by her brothers. H. M. Belden traces the derivation of the story in "Boccaccio, Hans Sachs, and the Bramble Briar" (Publications of the Modem Language Association of America, XXXIII [19 18], 3).
There is a great deal of variation in wording among the versions. The Douglass version is longer than any other examined, the number of stanzas in the other texts varying from 7 to 18. Belden, Brown, and Gardner and Chickering, however, have a stanza not in Douglass, in which the girl speaks to her murdered lover, telling him she must go home because of hunger. Eddy prints a tune for this song.
This song, which was not in the original manuscript, Mr. Douglass found later in a collection of religious songs that one of his great-aunts had copied. He sent it with the information that "the enclosed ballad was on the back of one of the sheets and today its faded writing indicates its age. This great-aunt died in the early 1850's so the ballad apparently antedates those years by some time."
The Bridgewater Merchant
1. At Bridgewater there lived a Merchant,
Who had two sons and a daughter fair.
Of life by death they were berieved,
Which filled their children's heart with care.
2. 'Twas o'er the seas their sons did venture
All for to bring, bring back their gain.
They had an apprentice by firm indenture
They sent him factor o'er the main.
3. He was of a fair complexion,
Strate and complete in every limb;
Their sister placed her whole affection,
On this young man, unbeknown to them.
4. Three thousand pounds it was the portion
All for this fair and butiful dame.
To this young man that crossed the ocean
She was resolved to bestow the same
5. It was one day the youngest brother
By chance did see them sport and play.
He told it secret to the other
And then these words they both did say,
6. Of parents mean he has descended,
May be he thinks her for to have;
But this courtship shall soon be ended,
We'll send him headlong to the grave.
7. Now to contrive this bloody slaughter,
They did conclude it should be so,
That this young man they both would flatter
With them a hunting for to go.
8. In a small wood not much frequented
Where harmless lambs did sport and play
These villains could not be contented
But must take his precious life away
9. In a dry ditch where there was no water
Where thorns and briers had overgrown
There for to hide their bloody slaughter
There this young man was killed and thrown
10. When they returned to their sister
Who asks where is your serveant man
I ask because you seem to whisper
Dear brothers tell me if you can
11. We lost him in our game of hunting
And nothing more of him could see
To tell you plain I am affronted
What makes you thus examine me.
12. That very night as she lay sleeping
There this young man he came and stood
By her bedside he stood a weeping
All covered o'er in gore of blood
13. It is vain says he my jewel
For you to murmur or repine
Your brothers have killed me being cruel
And in such a place you may me find
14. The very next day to the woods she retired
With many a sigh and a bitter grown
And there she found whom she admired
In that same place was killed and thrown
15. Although his lips with blood were dyed
Her tears as salt as any brine
She ofttimes kissed him and cried
Alas! thou bosom friend of mine
16. Although my brothers have been cruel
To take your precious life away
One grave shall serve for both my jewel
While I have breath I will by thee stay
17. Three days and nights there she sat weeping
'Till seemed her heart would burst with woe
Feeling sharp hunger on her creeping
Homeward she was forced to go
18. When she returned to her brothers
Who when these murderers came see
With blushes they of her inquired
What makes you look so mournfully
19. Oh! dear brothers thou knowest the reason
That makes your sister look so wan
Against the law you have acted treason
And for the same shall surely swing *
20. The murderers knowing their grief and sorrow
Strateway on board of a ship did go
If you will believe me on the morrow
Black clouds and storms were seen to blow
21. While in a rage and a foaming billow
Which cast both ship and gunnel too
These murderers knowing their grief and sorrow
Began to tremble and look blue
22. For to look blue it was no wonder
Just like an overbreaking wave
Both these young men were washed over
And the seas became their silent grave
* Note by original copyist: You may use either the last line of the 19th verse or the line below.
By killing of your servent man
25. Pretty Polly
The English song known as "Polly's Love; or, The Cruel Ship Carpenter," according to Cox, is condensed from a long eighteenth-century broadside, "The Gosport Tragedy; or, The Perjured Ship Carpenter." The Harvard Library has an American broadside of about 1820. Scarborough prints five tunes; Mackenzie, one.
The story begun in the Douglass version may be completed by comparison with other versions. In Scarborough (C) the man proposed marriage, but Polly refused because she was too young. After the murder he went on shipboard; the ship sank, and he saw a vision of Polly and a child, warning him of the debt he must pay the devil. In Cox (A) he died raving mad; in (C) a sailor stepped on the grave, and a woman with a child in her arms appeared, a sign that the ship would be unlucky. In "Polly's Love," referred to by Cox, William was torn to pieces by the girl's ghost. A long, detailed version (23 stanzas) appears in Mackenzie.
The texts vary. Brown presents four versions, of which (A) and (B) are much alike and much longer than Douglass. The verses given in Douglass, however, have lines quite similar to a section of Brown (A), beginning with Brown's stanza n. Scarborough (C) is fairly close to Douglass. Scarborough (A) and Cox (A) repeat the first line of each stanza; Scarborough (B) has no dialogue; Scarborough (D), (E), and (F) are so modernized that the man kills the girl with a revolver instead of a sword.
Pretty Polly
1. Come Polly come Polly come go along with me
Before we are married some friends for to see
He led her ore hills ore valleys so deep
At last pretty Polly sat down for to weep
2. O Billy O Billy you have led me a stray
On purpos my innocent life for to stay
Polly O Polly O that is what I have
I was all the last night a digging of your grave
3 . She went a little farther as she did spy
A grave being dug and a spade standing by
Her lilly white hand in sorrow she rung
Begging for mercy cries what have I done
4. In an instant he drew a bright sword in his hand
. . . .
24. The Sailor's Wife's Lament
This song of bereavement appears under such other names as "The Sailor's Bride" and "The Lover's Lament for Her Sailor." A
version printed in Thompson was a favorite of the late Captain Hiram Beldin, master of a tugboat on Lake Champlain.
According to Green Mountain, the first broadside of the song was printed without music by DeMarsan between 1860 and 1878,
though it may be traced through related songs back to the seventeenth century. Its beginning, for instance, is reminiscent of such
"returned lover" ballads as "Banks of the Brandywine," particularly
in Belden, in which a third person, an observer, is introduced. There
is a great deal of variation in wording, and Belden, Cox, Eddy,
Brown, and Green Mountain all have refrains. Eddy (A) has two
introductory stanzas, in which there are a lament for all sailors dying at sea and a promise to tell of one such case. A tune to the song is also printed in Eddy. Brown (A) has a concluding stanza referring
to the sadness of the bereaved wife. Stanzas 5 and 6 are outstanding
in Douglass, for even though they carry the personal lament, they
appear in no other versions examined except Eddy (B). Stanza 5 es-
pecially is typical of the ballad tradition with its incremental repe-
tition from stanza 1.
The Sailors Wives Lament
1 . It was early spring the year was young
The flowers they bloom the birds they sang
They all seemed glad but none so glad as I
For my love the sailor lad was nigh
2. Scarce three months since we were wed
Alas how swift the moments fled
And we must part at the dawning of the day
For the proud ship bears my love away
3. The morning star was shining still
And the twilight peaped oer the eastern hill
The sailor and his early bride
Sat weeping by the river side
4. Long years have past he came no more
To his weeping bride on the lonely shore
And the ship went down at the howling of the storm
And the waves engulfed my sailors form
5. It is autumn now and I am a lone
The flowers are dead the birds have flown
And all is sad but none so sad as I
For my love the sailor no more is nigh
6. My sailor sleeps beneath the waves
And the mermaids sing oer his ocean grave
The mermaids are at the bottom of the sea
Aweping there sad tears for me
7. I wish i was a sleeping to
Beneath the waves of the ocean blue
My soul to god and my body in the sea
And the blue waves roling over me
25. Kate and Her Horns
This broadside ballad, according to Mackenzie, dates back to 1689-1690 and is related to "The Politick Maid of Suffolk; or, The
Lawyer Outwitted." That ballad tells of a girl dressed as a devil and accompanied by a sweep's helper who fires squibs to frighten the lover into marriage.
The Douglass version is closely similar to the Mackenzie one. Although Sharp, Belden, and Gardner and Chickering have refrains
of nonsense syllables lacking in Douglass, the Douglass version is much more complete and detailed. Sharp and Gardner and Chickering both give tunes.
Kate and Her Horns
1. You that in merriment delight
Pray listen into what I w T rite
So shall your satisfaction find
It will cure a melancholy mind
2. A damsel sweet in colchester
And there a clothier courted her
For three months space both night and day
But yet this damsel still said nay
3. She said were I to love inclin'd
Perhapse you soon may change your mind
And court some other damsel fair
For men are false I do declare
4. He many protestations made
And like A royal lover said
There's none but you shall be my wife
The joy and comfort of my life
5. At length this maid gave her consent
To marry him and straight they went
Unto their parents then and who
Both gave their leave and liking too
6. But see the cursed fruits of gold
He left his loyal love behind
With grief and love all compass'd round
While he a greater fortune found
7. A lawyer's daughter fair and bright
Her parent's joy and whole delight
He was resolved to make his spouse
Denying all his former vows
8. And when poor Kate she came to hear
That she must loose her only dear
And for the lawyers daughter sak
Some sport of him Kate thought she'd make
9. Kate knew when every night he came
From his new love Nancy by name
Sometimes at ten o'clock or more
Kate to a tanner went therefore
10. And borrowed there an old cowhide
With crooked horns both large and wide
And when she wrapt herself therein
Her new intrigue she did begin
11. Kate to a lonesome field did stray
Atlength the clothier came that way
And he was sorely scared at her
She looked like some old lucifer
12. A hairy hide horns on her head
Whitch near three feet asunder spread
With that he saw a long black tail
He strove to run his feet did fail
13. Then with a grum but doleful note
She quickly seiz'd him by the throat
And said you leave poor Kate I hear
And woo the lawyers daughter dear
14. Since you have been so false to her
You prejured knave of Colchester
You shall whether you will or no
Into my gloomy regions go
15. This voice did sore affright him
And kneeling on his trembling limb
Cried Master Devil spare me now
And I'll perform my former vow
16. I'll make young Kate my lawful bride
See that you do the devil cried
If Kate against you doth complain
Soon shall you hear from me again
17. Then home he went though very late
He little thought that it was Kate
That set him in such affright
Therefore next day by morning light
18. He went to Kate and married her
For fear of that old licifer [ Lucifer ]
Kate's friends and parents thought it strange
That there was such a sudden change
19. Kate never let her parents know
Nor any other friend or foe
Till they a year had married been
And told it at her lying in
20. It pleased the woman to the heart
They say she fairly played her part
Her husband laughed as well as they
Twas a joyful merry day
26. The Dog and the Gun
Frequently this English song about the girl who went hunting for her husband is known as "The Golden Glove." Cox gives another
English title, "The Squire of Tamworth." According to Scarborough, a copy of the ballad was entered at Stationers' Hall about
1782. The song was printed in this country as a broadside in the early
nineteenth century. Among the different versions there is much
variation in wording but little in story, though Cox has an intro-
ductory stanza explaining that the young farmer had previously
courted the lady and had been sent away by her father. The scene in
different versions is London, Portsmouth, Falmouth, Plymouth, or
Yarmouth; one of the latter or the previously mentioned Tamworth
is possibly the original of Tatmouth in Douglass. Cox, Mackenzie,
Sharp, Green Mountain, and Gardner and Chickering all give tunes.
The Dog and the Gun
1. It is of a wealthy young squire of tatmouth we hear
Who courted A noble mans daghter so dear
And for to marry her it was his intent
Her parents and friends had gave their consent
2. The day was appointed for the wedding day
A brisk farmer appointed to give her away
But when this fair lady the farmer did espy
It inflamed her heart Oh my she did cry
3. The thoughts of the farmer so ran in her head
Instead of being marieg she took to her bead
The thoughts of the farmer so ran in her mind
A way for to have him she quickly did find
4. Coat waist coat and breeches she then did put on
A hunting she went with her dog and her gun
She hunted all round where the farmer did dwell
Because in her heart she did love him so well
5. She oft times did fire but nothing did kill
At length the young farmer came into the field
And for to discoree him it was her intent
With her dog and her gun for to meet him she went
6. I thought you had been to the wedding she cried
To wait upon the squire and give him his bride
Oh no says the farmer if I the truth must tell
I'll not give her away for i love her too well
7. The lady was glad for to hear him so bold
She gave him a glove that was flowered with gold
She told him she found it as she came along
As she was a hunting with her dog and gun
8. This lady went home with her heart full of love
She gave out word that she had lost a glove
And the man that will find it and bring it to me
The man that will find it his bride i will be
9. The farmer was glad for to hear of the news
With his heart full of love to the lady he goes
Saying honored lady i picked up your glove
If this you will be pleased for [to] grant me your lo[ve]
10. Oh thats all ready granted the lady replyed
I love the sweet breath of the farmer she cried
I'll be mistress of thy dary and milker of my cows
While my jolly young farmer goes whistleing at his plow
11. When the wedding was over she told all the fun
How she hunted the farmer with her dog and gun
But now I have got him so fast in my snare
I'll enjoy him forever i vow and declare
27. The Spinster's Lament
According to G. L. Kittredge (JAFL, XXX [1917], 355-356) "The Old Maid's Song," as this is sometimes called, is a rearrange-
ment of some of the stanzas from "The Wooing Maid," a ballad by Martin Parker, preserved in a seventeenth-century broadside.
JAFL gives a three-stanza text corresponding to Douglass stanzas 2, 3, and 5, with a similar chorus. Sturgis gives the music and a text much like that in Douglass except that it exchanges stanzas 2 and 3 and reverses the order of the last line in the refrain so that it rhymes:
Don't let me die an old maid, but take me out of pity.
[The Spinster's Lament]
1. Come all you pretty maidens, some older, some younger
Who all have got sweethearts, but I must stay longer
Some sixteen eighteen, are happily married
Alas how unequally such things are carried
A limner a penman a tinker a tailor
A fiddler a pedlar, a ploghman, a sailor,
Come gentle, come simple, come foolish or witty,
Come take me out of pity don't let me die a maid
2. I have a sister Sally who's younger than I am
Has so many sweethearts she's forc'd to deny 'em
I never was guilty of denying many
The Lord knows my [ heart! I'd be thankful for any
A limner &c
3. I have a sister Susan though uglv illshapen
Before she was sixteen years old she was taken
Before she was eighteen a son & a daughter
And I'm six & thirty & ne'er had an offer
A limner &c
4. It has often be said by my father & mother
That going to one wedding makes way for another
If that be the case I will go without bidding
And let the world judge if I don't want a wedding
A limner &c
5. I never will scold & I'll never be jealous
My husband shall money to go to the ale house
While he is there spending I'll be at home saveing
And leave it to you all if I an't worth the having
A limner &c
28. The Bonny Light Horseman
Probably this was a popular song of the Napoleonic Wars. The reference to George in the first stanza would imply that the horse-
man died fighting for England, and the reference to Bonny in stanza 6, line 1, would be to Bonaparte. Although this is not a folksong, it is interesting to notice the theme of the girl in man's clothing following her lover. A similar idea appears in "Jackie Fraisure" (see Cox) and "William Taylor" (see Sharp). A version identical except for punctuation appears in DeMarsan.
The Bonny Light Horseman
1 . You wives maids and widows I pray give attention
Unto these few lines I'm going to mention
Of a maid in distraction thats now going to wander
She relies upon George for the loss of her lover
Broken hearted I'll wander for the loss of my lover
My bonny light horseman was slain in the war
2. Three years and six months he went from england's shore
My bonny light horseman will I never see more
When he mounted on horseback so galant and brave
And among the whole regiment respected he was
Broken hearted &c
3. I will dress in man's apparel to the regiment I will go
I will be a true subject and fight all the foes
I will count it an honour if I could obtain
For to die in the field where my true love was slain
Broken hearted &c
4. Had I the wings of an eagle into the air I would fly
I would cross the seas where my true love doth lie
And with my fond wings I would bear [beat] on his grave
And kiss his cold lips that are pale in the clay
Broken hearted &c
5. How the dove she laments for the loss of her mate
Oh where shall I wander my true love she said
There's no mortal breathing my favor shall gain
Since my bonny light horseman in the wars he was slain
Broken hearted &c
6. When Bonny commanded his men how to stand
And proud wav'd his banners all gaily and grand
He fixed his cannon the victory to gain
But my bonny light horseman in battle was slain
Broken hearted &c
29. The Carrier Dove
Scribner reports this sentimental song "sung at Niblo's Garden [in New York] by Miss Watson. Composed and arranged by D. Johnson." The printing date was 1836.
The most noticeable feature of this version is the use of the word "bird" at the end of each stanza rather than "dove" as in Heart. The music is given in Heart.
The Carrier Dove
1 . Fly away to my native land sweet Dove
Fly away to my native land
And bear these lines to my lady love
That I've traced with A feeble hand
She marvels much at my long delay
A rumor of death she has heard
Or she thinks perhaps that I falsly proved
Then fly to her bower sweet bird
2. Fly away to the bower and say that the chain
Of the tyrent is o'er me now
That I never shall mount my steed again
With a hermit [helmet] upon my brow
No friend to my lattice a solice brings
Except your voice is heard
When you beat [the] bars with your snowy wings
Then fly to her bower sweet bird
3. I shall miss thy visit at dawn sweet Dove
I shall miss thy visit a [at] eve
But bring me a line for [from] my lady love
And then I shall cease to breath
I an now in A dungeon to waste away youth
I can fall by the conquerer sword
But I cannot endure she should doubt my truth
Then fly to her bower sweet bird