Spanish Lady- Mrs. Dunbar (Aber)1908 Greig A
[From Greig-Duncan Collection 4, version A. This is a version of Spanish Lady I with the two stanzas reworked from 1776 bawdy song, "The Ride in London." Stanza seven has the tarry trousers [tar trousers for waterproofing] which her sailor boy wears. See Findlater (Scottish) and Sam Henry (Irish) for other tarry trousers versions.
R. Matteson 2017]
"Spanish Lady," sung by Mrs. Longhill Dunbar of Crimond, Aberdeenshire about 1908. Born in 1855 she married John Dunbar. Collected by Greig, version A from Greig-Duncan Collection 4.
1. As I went up to London city
At half past twelve o'clock at night
There I spied a beauties[1] damsel
Dressing hersell by candlelight.
2. With a basin lull ol water
And a towel in her hand
And her hair hung o'er her shoulders
Like an angel she did stand.
3. Madam I am come to court you
If your favour I can gain
And if you'll gently entertain me
Maybe I'll come back again.
4. Sit ye doon ye're hearty welcome
Whether ye be high or low,
Sit ye doon you're hearty welcome
Whether ye come back or no.
5. Madam I've got gold and silver
Maciam I've got house and land
Madam I've got men and maidens
All to be at your command.
6. What care I for your goid and silver?
What care I for your house and lands?
What care I for your men and maidens?
All I want is a handsome man.
7. Some court maidens for their money
Bring to me their heart's delight,
He that wears the tarry trousers
Shines to me like diamonds bright.
8 He that hath my heart a keeping.
Wish he had my body too
For my eyes are dim with weeping
Dear alas what shall I do.
9. He that hath my heart a-keeping
Wish lie had my body too
For the Grandoo[2] dears are marching
And alas what shall I do?
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1. for "beauteous"
2. grenadiers