The Jealous Lover
[Known also as Florilla (usually Florella but also known by other names) instead of The Jealous Lover, this is one of the most popular murder ballads in North America.
R. Matteson 2014]
THE JEALOUS LOVER
1. Down by yon weeping willow,
Where the violets gently bloom,
There lies our young Florilla,
So silent in her tomb.
2. She died, not broken-hearted,
Nor in sickness did she fall,
But in one moment parted
From those she loved so well.
3. One eve the moon shone brightly
And soft o'er hill and dale,
Unto this maiden's cottage
Her jealous lover came.
4. "Florilla, let us wander
Down by yon meadow gay,
There we shall sit and ponder
Upon our wedding day.
5. The way was cold and dreary
And night, was coming on,
Into this lonely valley
He led this maiden on.
6. "O Edward, I am weary
Of wandering here along,
The night is cold and dreary,
I pray you take me home."
7. "You have not wing's of an eagle,
Nor from me can you fly,
No earthly soul can hear you,
You instantly must die.
8. Down on her knees she bended
And begged him for her life;
But into that snowy bosom
He plunged a gleaming knife.
9. "O Edward, I'll forgive you
With my last dying breath,
I never have deceived your
As I close my eyes in death."
10. "Adieu to my fond parents,
And to my friends adieu,
And you, my dearest Edward,
May all your words prove true."
11. Down on his knee he bended,
Saying "O, what have I done?
I've murdered my Florilla,
True as the rising sun."
12. The birds sang in the morning,
So mournful was the sound,
When they found her a-lying
So cold upon the ground.
13. Now in that lonely valley,
With the willows o'er her grave,
Florilla lies forgotten,
Where the merry sunbeams play.
This song was obtained from Mrs. L Gilley. The tune was sung was as written, being quite like the tune of "I'll Be All Smiles Tonight."