The Turkish Lady- Ashmore (MS) 1936 Hudson
[From Folksongs of Mississippi, Hudson, 1936. His notes follow.
R. Matteson 2014]
YOUNG BEICHAN
(Child, No. S3)
One text of this ballad, known locally as "The Turkish Lady," was recovered by Miss Lois Womble, Water Valley, from the singing of Miss Thelma Ashmore, who "lives in a little community about five miles "from Water valley which is noted for its ballad singers."
The Turkish Lady
1 There once lived a man in the state of England
Who grew discontented and unease.
.. . .
And decided to take a voyage across the seas.
2 He sailed east, he sailed west,
He sailed to the Turkish shore.
There he was took and put in prison,
With no more hopes of freedom any more.
3 But the jailer had one pretty daughter
As fair as anyone could see;
She stole the keys of her father's prison
And declared Lord Deckmon she would free.
4 "Sir, have you houses and have you land,
And have you living in your own country,
And-would-you freely give it to the Turkish lady
If out of prison she would set you free?"
5 "Yes, I have houses and I have land,
And I have a living in my own country,
And I would give it to the Turkish lady
If out of this prison she would set me free."
6 She took him to her father's castle,
And there she gave him the finest of wine,
And for her health she drank unto him:
"Lord Deckmon, I wish you were mine."
7 She took him to her father's harbor,
And there she loaded a ship for him,
Saying, "Farewell, my sweet beloved;
I fear I'll never see you again."
8 Seven long years they made a bargain,
Seven long years, one, two, and three,
Saying, "If you marry no other lady,
I'll vow I'll marry no other man."
9 Seven long years then passed over,
Seven long years, one, two, and three.
She gathered up silks and rubies
And declared Lord Deckmon she would see.
10 She sailed east, she sailed west,
She sailed to the unknown shore.
Who should she see but a little porter,
There to see who had come.
11 "Is this Lord Deckmon's castle,
And Lord Deckmon himself, within?"
"Oh, yes, this is Lord Deckmon's castle,
And he's just brought his new bride in."
12 "Tell him I want a slice of his bread
And a bottle of his clearest wine,
And I wish him well to remember
The Turkish lady he left behind."
13 In ran the little porter,
Falling at Lord Deckmon's feet.
. . . .
"What news have you for me?"
14 "Seven long years I've been your porter,
Seven long years, one, two, and three,
And now at your [gate] stands the fairest girl
That ever I wished my eyes to see.
15 "She says she wants a slice of your bread
And a bottle of your clearest wine,
And wants you to well remember
The Turkish lady you left behind."
16 Up rose Lord Deckmon from the table,
Cut the bread, one, two, and three,
Saying, "Farewell, my pretty Polly,
Since my dear Susan crossed the sea.
17 "Sir, this day I married your daughter,
And she is none worse by me.
She come here on a horse and saddle;
She may go away on a coach and train."