The Two Sisters- (AP) pre1924 Raine
[From: The Land of Saddle-bags: A Study of the Mountain People of Appalachia by James Watt Raine; 1924 with music. No information about informant or location is given. Raine worked with Cecil Sharp supplying at least one version to Sharp's ESFSA. I wonder why it's not in Bronson, apparently he missed it or didn't have permission to use it.
R. Matteson 2014]
THE TWO SISTERS
There lived an old lord by the Northern Sea,
Bowee down!
There lived an old lord by the Northern Sea,
Bow and balance to me!
There lived an old lord by the Northern Sea,
And he had daughters one, two three,
I'll be true to my love,
If my love'll be true to me.
2. A young man came a-courting there,
And he made choice of the youngest fair.
3. He bought the youngest a beaver hat,
And the oldest sister didn't like that.
4. As they walked down to the water brim,
The oldest pushed the youngest in.
5. O sister, O sister lend me your hand,
And you may have my house and land.
6. She floated down to the Miller's dam,
The miller drew her safe to land.
7. And off of her fingers took five gold rings,
Then into the water he plunged her again.
8. The miller was hanged on a gallows so high,
The oldest sister there close by.