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Unhappy Love 95
26 GREEN MOUNTAIN
The Michigan text has only minor variations from that in The Forget Me Not Songster, pp. 80-81. For references to other broadsides and texts see Kittredge, JAFL, XXX, 347-348.
The present version is from the Lambertson manuscript Mr John and Mr. Charles Lambertson both remembered hearing their mother sing this song.
1 On the top of yonder mountain a castle doth stand, All decked with green ivy from the top to the strand. Fine arches, fine porches of the limestone so white, 'Tis a guide to poor sailors on a dark stormy night.
2 On the top of this mountain in verdure of green Are the finest of places that ever were seen
For fishing, for fowling, and for walking also; And the finest of roses on this mountain doth grow.
3 At the foot of this mountain where the tides ebb and flow, Ships from the East Indies to Madeira doth go, Where the red flags are flying and the beating of drums, Sweet instruments of music and the firing of guns.
4 It was on Monday morning that we sailed away. The drums they did beat and sweet music did play,
For the sailors' hearts were merry, but mine grew full sore At the thought of fair Polly the girl I adore.
5 Come all you little purling streams that run murmuring by, Pray direct me to my love, wheresoever she be,
For her eyes they invite me, but her tongue tells me no. Some angel direct me to where I shall go.
6 She's like some ship on the ocean that's tossed to and fro From the height of promotion to the depth of sad woe. Her mind being changed runs just like the tide;
If Polly proved true, I'd have made her my bride. |
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