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274 Indiana University Publications, Folklore Series
57 THE SHEFFIELD APPRENTICE
For American and English texts and references, see Campbell and Sharp, II, 66; Cox, p. 294; Gillington, Eight Hampshire Folk-Songs, p. 14; Journal XXVIII, 164; XLV, 51.
"The Sheffield Apprentice" is common in English and American songsters and broadsides. For references, see Cox, p. 294, headnote. See also JFSS, I, 200; II, 169; Sharp, FolfcSongs of England, II, 44; Henry, Folk-Song* from the Southern Highlands, p. 183.
"The Apprentice Boy." Contributed by Mrs. T. M. Bryant, of Evans-ville, Indiana. Vanderburg County. November 15, 1935.
1. I lived in Transylvania, not of a high degree;
My parents did adore me, having no other child but me. I served my youthful pleasure wherein my fancy led; At last they apprentice bound me, then all my joys had fled.
2. I did not like my master, he did not treat me well; I set a resolution not long with him to dwell. Unbeknown to friends or parents, from them1 I stole away; I steered my course to London; I rue that fatal day!
3. At first I went to Leedsboro and met a lady fair;
She offered me high wages to dwell with her one year. Being deluded by her promises, with her I did agree To serve one year in Holland, which proved my destiny.
4. I had not served my mistress but about two weeks or three Until my cruel mistress grew very fond of me;
She says, "My gold and silver, my houses and my land If you will agree to marry me, shall be at your command."
5. "0 pardon me, dear mistress; 0 pardon me," I said; "For I am bound to pretty Polly, thy only chambermaid."
All in an angry passion, out of my arms she flew, And how to get revenge of me she did know how to do.
6. One day as I was walking to take the pleasant air,
My mistress followed after me to view the meadows fair. Three gold rings off her finger just as she passed me by She slipped them in my pocket, and for the same I die. |
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