The Rich Lady- Barnes (NC) pre1904 Campbell
[A copy of this ballad may be viewed online in the I.G. Greer Collection. Sue Campbell, 1897-1968 contributed about sixty-five ballad transcriptions, 1849-1904, by members of the William B. Jones family, Alexander County, N.C. This ballad was provided from a copy by Mrs. R. E. Barnes [Ruth Emeline Jones], 1834-1924 and was also sung by her daughter Mrs. K. Z. Deal [Elizabeth Emaline Barnes], 1865-1938.
This ballad probably dates back to circa 1840s when Barnes was a girl. Some minor editing was done for spelling.
R. Matteson 2014]
The Rich Lady- from a copy by Mrs. R. E. Barnes [Ruth Emeline Jones]
I
There was a rich lady from London she came
Whose name it was Sally oh Sally by name
Her riches was more than a king could possess
Her beauty was more than her riches would fetch
II
There was a young man courted her 500 times a year
He often said "Sally, oh Sally my dear."
"Oh Sally, oh Sally, oh Sally, said he,
"I am sorry my love and yourn couldn't agree."
III
Its I don’t despise you nor no other man
But as fer to love you its more than I can
Its now and forever just ends our discourse
I never will marry you unless I am forced
IV
Its fare you well Sally I am now going home
No doubt in my mind but your pride will come down
Before three weeks was over and another going past
She sent for this young man her love had struck her at last
V
He came to her bedside saying Sally my dear
Is the pain that doth hurt you doth lie in your head
Oh no by the right that you have not guessed
The pain that now hurts me doth lay in my breast
VI
Now Sally oh Sally oh Sally said he
Now don't you remember when you slighted me
When you slighted me in bourney [1] and scorn
And now I’ll reward you for things past and gone
VII
For things past and gone love forget and forgive
And spare me my life some longer to live
I never will forgive you while during my breath
I’ll dance on your grave when you’re laid in the clay
VIII
It’s on her forefinger there were rings diamonds there
Saying take these and wear them when you’re dancing on me,
When you’re dancing on me when you’re dancing on me
Ten thousand times over my folly I see.
1. The MS has "bourney." It could be a "journey" but that makes no sense. It should mean anger (angry?) and that's what I would change it to. Not sure what the original reference is here.