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Brewster: Ballads and Songs of Indiana 37 |
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EARL BRAND (Child, No. 7)
Two texts of this ballad have been recovered thus far. They were contributed by sisters, who had learned the song from an aunt more than fifty years ago. Both texts follow Child B rather closely, though lacking several of its stanzas. It will be noted that the motif of the plants entwining over the graves of the lovers is condensed.
For American texts, see Barry, Modern Language Notes, XXV, 104; Barry, Eckstorm, and Smyth, p. 35 (two variants and two airs); Cox, p. 18 (one variant); Brown, p. 9; Campbell and Sharp, No. 3; Davis, p. 86 (five variants) and p. 552 (two melodies); Greenleaf and Mansfield, p. 7; MacÂkenzie, Ballads, p. 9; Mackenzie, p. 60; Hudson, Folksongs, p. 66; Shearin and Combs, p. 7; Scarborough, Song Catcher, p. 115; Journal, XXVIII, 152, 200; XLII, 257; Henry, Songs Sung in the Southern Appalachians, p. 45; Henry, Folk-Songs from the Southern Highlands, p. 36; Randolph, Ozark Mountain Folks, p. 219.
A
"Lady Margaret." Contributed by Mrs. A. J. Hopkins, of Boonville, Indiana. Warrick County. July 20, 1935. With music.
1. Lord William down from the Highlands rode,
It was all by the light of the moon ; He rode till he came to my lady's abode, And there he lighted down.
2. He mounted her on a milk-white steed
And himself on his gallant grey, And with bugelet horn hung down by his side, O how they rode away!
3. O he rode on and she rode on;
It was all by the light of the moon. They rode till he spied her seven brothers bold, And then they lighted down.
4. "Light ye down, Lady Margaret" he said,
"And hold my steed in your hand, Until against your seven brothers bold And your father I make my stand." |
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