The Rover- (London) c.1819 Pitts broadside
[A broadside by J. Pitts, Printer, Wholesale Toy Warehouse, 6 Great Street, Seven Dials. Andrew St. as early as c. 1819; Johnson Ballads 977.
Stanza 1 is the identifying stanza and the opening line and second line ending with home (known/home rhyme) are consistent. The identifying stanza seems to be a rewrite of the Died for Love's "Rambling Boy" and since he is a "rover" who has left "his darling" behind, floating stanzas follow which are sung by the maid of her misfortune. "The Rover" predictably follows the "Died for Love" formula: a maid falls in love with a rover who leaves her-- while she remains not knowing if he'll return. The remaining floating stanzas resemble a number of related songs. The first stanza is sung first person by the rover while the remaining stanzas are sung first person by the maid. Stanza 2 of A is found similarly in 7A, Sailing Trade as the "colour of amber" stanza. The first two lines of 3 resemble Shule Agra, last two lines Died for Love.
R. Matteson 2017]
A. "The Rover" printed by J. Pitts, Wholesale Toy Warehouse, 6 Great Street, Seven Dials. Andrew St. as early as c.1819.
1. I am a rover, and that's well known,
Long time I've left my native home;
I've left my darling for to mourn,
She does not know when I shall return.
2. Did you not mention his coal black hair
His smiling looks doth my heart ensnare,
His sparkling eyes bewitched me,
I wish I never did him see.
3. I wish I was upon yonder hill
I'd set me down and cry my fill;
That all the world might plainly see,
That I lov'd a man that never loved me.
4. How could I act such a foolish part
To love a young man who broke my heart
If Cupid would but set me free,
I would seek another that would love me.
5. I wish I never lov'd at all
Since Love has proved my downfall
But now Cupid has set me free,
I will seek another who will love me.