THE BLACKSMITH

A blacksmith courted me, nine months and better.
He fairly won my heart, wrote me a letter.
With his hammer in his hand, he looked quite clever,
And if I was with my love, I'd live forever.

Oh where is my love gone, with them cheeks like roses,
And his good black billycock on, decked around with primroses?
I'm afraid that scorching sun will shine and burn his beauty,
And if I was with my love, I would do my duty.

Strange news has come to town, strange news is carried
Strange news flies up and down that my love is married
I wish them both much joy though they can't hear me
And may God reward them well for the slighting of me.

Don't you remember when you lay beside me?
And you said you'd marry me, and not deny me.
If I said I'd marry you, it was only for to try you,
So bring your witness, love, and I'll not deny you.

Oh, witness have I none save God Almighty.
May he reward them well for slighting of me.
And her lips grew pale and wan, and it made her poor heart to tremble
To think she loved the one, and he proved deceitful.