| lyric | 1. A blacksmith courted me, nine months and beter.
He fairly won my heart, wrote me a lettter.
With his hammer in his hand, he looked so clever,
and if I was with my love, I’d live forever.
2. And where is my love gone, with his cheeks like roses;
And his good black billycock on, decked with primroses;
I’m afraid the scorching sun will shine and burn his beauty;
And if I was with my love, I’d do my duty.
3. Strange news is come to town, strange news is carried;
Strange news files up and down that my love is married;
I wish them both much joy, though they don’t hear me;
And may God reward him well, for slighting of me.
4. What did you promise, love, when you sat beside me;
You said you would 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 ne’er deny you.“
5. “Oh witness have I none, save God Almighty;
And He’ll reward you well for the slighting of me;”
Her lips grew pale and whote, it made her poor heart tremble;
To think she loved one and he proved deceitful. |