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362 Indiana University Publications, Folklore Series
99 PRETTY SAIREY
For additional versions, see Campbell and Sharp, II, 10; Journal, XLV, 113; and Scarborough, Song Catcher, p. 327.
"Pretty Sairey." Contributed by Mrs. Phoebe Elliott, of New Harmony, Indiana. Posey County. August 21, 1935.
1. 'Way down in some lone valley or in some other place Where the small birds do whistle and their notes do increase, I'll think on pretty Sairey, her ways so complete;
I love her, my Sairey, from her head to her feet.
2. My love she won't have me, as I understand; She wants a freeholder, and I have no land. Yet I could maintain her on silver and gold
And as many other fine things as my love's house could hold.
3. I went to my Sairey, my love to unfold,
To tell her my passion, so brave and so bold; I said to her, "Sairey, will you be my bride, And walk with me ever, right here at my side?
4. "I love you, my Sairey, as you can well see;
I'll take you a-travelling o'er land and o'er sea.
Silks, satins, and jewels I'll buy you to wear,
For there's no one, my true love, to me is more dear."
5. Then Sairey she held out her sweet little hand And said, "I can't love you, for you have no land ; I've promised another to be his dear wife
And walk with him ever, for the rest of my life."
6. "Farewell, pretty Sairey, my true-love!" I said; "I go from your presence; I wish I was dead.
Some other lover will kneel at your feet
And take the dear kisses I once thought so sweet." |
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