Silver Dagger- E. Davidson (MO) 1927 Randolph
[From Ozark Folksongs II, by Randolph 1946, version F1. This is one six versions (designated A1-F1) Randolph collected of an eleven stanza "composed ballad" usually titled The Silver Dagger. This ballad is based on the traditional ballad story, a collected variant of Silver Dagger was published in 1849, the original (circa 1820) has not been found. Only stanza seven and half of eleven are taken from the traditional versions of North America.
Randolph also published six versions (A-F) of Drowsy Sleeper, the traditional version.
R. Matteson 2016]
Young William- Sula Hudson (MO) 1941 Randolph
[From Ozark Folksongs II, by Randolph 1946, version F1. This is one six versions (designated A1-F1) Randolph collected of an eleven stanza "composed ballad" usually titled The Silver Dagger. This ballad is based on the traditional ballad story, a collected variant of Silver Dagger was published in 1849, the original (circa 1820) has not been found. Only stanza seven and half of eleven are taken from the traditional versions of North America.
Randolph also published six versions (A-F) of Drowsy Sleeper, the traditional version.
R. Matteson 2016]
F1. "Young William." Sung by Mrs. Sula Hudson, Crane, Mo., Sept.15, 1941. She calls it, "Young William."
Come young and old and pay attention,
To these few lines I'm going to write,
They are true lines as ever was written
Concerning a young and beautiful maid.
Young William courted a handsome lady,
He loved her dear as he loved his life,
Oft-times he made his vowings to her
To make her his own [wedded] wife.
And when his parents came to know this
They tried to part them day and night,
Saying son, oh son, don't be so foolish,
For she's too Poor to be Your bride.
Young William on his knees a-praying,
Saying father, father, pity me,
Don't part me from my darling Julie,
For she is all this world to me.
He then fell down on the roadside near her,
He thought he heard her wailing voice,
He ran, he ran like someone distracted,
Saying love, oh love, I hear your voice'
She then drew out the silver dagger,
And sank it in her snow-white breast,
At first she reeled and then she staggered,
Saying fare you well, I'm going to rest.
Her coal-black eyes like stars were shining,
Saying love, oh love, you've come too late,
Prepare to meet your darling Julie
Where all our joys would be complete.
He then picked up the bleeding body,
And rolled it o'er and in his arms,
Saying neither gold nor silver can buy you,
For you are worthless all their charms.
He then drew out the silver dagger
And sank it in his manly heart,
Saying this should be an awful warning
That all true lovers should never part.