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$4 Ballads and Songs of Michigan
CAROLINE OF EDINBURG TOWN
This song is common in both English and American broadsides and songbooks For references and a very similar version which lacks stanzas 6 and 7 and the first two lines of stanza 10 in the Michigan text see Mackenzie, pp. 94-95. See also Ord, pp. 186-187, and Sharp, 1,404. The present version is from the Gernsey manuscript.
i Come, all young men and maidens, attend unto my rhyme; It's of a young damsel who was scarcely in her prime. She beat the blushing roses, and admired by all around Was lovely young Caroline of Edinburg town.
2 Young Henry was a Highland man, a-courting to her came, And when her parents came to know, they did not like the same. Young Henry was offended and unto her did say,
"Arise, my dearest Caroline, and with me run away.
3 "We will both go to London, love, and there we'll wed with
speed; And then lovely Caroline shall have happiness, indeed." Now enticed by young Henry she put on her other gown, And away went young Caroline of Edinburg town.
4 Over hills and lofty mountains together did they roam In time arrived in London, far from her happy home. She said, "My dearest Henry, pray never on me frown, Or you'll break the heart of Caroline of Edinburg town."
5 They had not been in London more than half a year When hardhearted Henry proved too severe.
Said Henry, "I will go to sea, your friends did on me frown; So beg your way without delay to Edinburg town.
6 "The fleet is fitting out to Spithead, dropping down, And I will join the fleet to fight for king and crown.
The gallant tars may feel the scars or in the water drown; Yet I never will again return to Edinburg town." |
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7 Then many a day she passed away in sorrow or despair; Her cheeks, though once roses, were grown like lilies fair. |
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