Who is Knocking at my Window? (Hamps) 1907 Gardner
[From the George Gardiner Manuscript Collection (GG/1/11/663)
R. Matteson 2016]
Who is Knocking at my Window?- Sung by an unknown informant on May, 1907 at Hannington, Kingsclere, Hampshire. Collector: G.B. Gardiner.
Crying, "Who is that knocking at my window
Who is that so late at night?
It's I myself, come to court my Nancy,
Long time I waited all for your sake."
I'll have you begone for to court some other[1]
I'll have you begone or you'll wake my mother,
My father he will so quickly hear,
"I won't begone for to court another,
I'll whisper softly in your ear."
"Oh daughter, oh daughter, what is the reason,
You cannot rest nor take your ease?
I will confine you unto your chamber
And send your true love across the sea."
"Oh, father, oh father pay down my portion,
That is five hundred in bright guineas, you know,
And I will cross the wide watery ocean,
Where the hills and dales are all covered with snow."
This is the lad I have much admired,
This is the lad I mean to wed,
And if I don't have my heart's desire,
Single I'll go unto my grave.
1. this line is out of place