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150 Ballads and Songs of Michigan
FAIR LADY OF LONDON
(Secondary form, Child, No 295)
This song is somewhat similar to Child, No. 295, B (V, 166-168). For a discussion of the relationship between the two forms see Davis, pp. 537-543- F°r the only other versions noted which end happily, as does the Michigan text, see Barry, Eckstorm, and Smyth, pp. 418-425, A and E. For other texts and references see Cox, pp. 366-370. See also Hudson, pp. 26-37, an<i Sharp, I, 295-304. For a combination of this song with "The Death of Queen lane" see Davis, pp. 419-420, 537-543*
The present version is from the Gernsey manuscript.
i In London's fair city a lady did dwell;
For wealth and for beauty there's none could excel. Fair Sally, fair Sally, fair Sally, by name, And many rich suitors unto Sally came.
2 A fair Irish laddie from fair Ireland came A-courting fair Sally for to be his dame. Her riches so great, and her portion so high That on this young man she could not cast an eye.
3 "O Sally, O Sally, O Sally," said he,
"I'm sorry that your love and mine can't agree; I make no great doubt but my ruin you'll prove, And all your great hatred will turn into love."
4 "No hatred for you, sir, or no other man; But as for to love you, it's more than I can.
So drop your intention and end your discourse, For I never will have you unless I am forced."
5 "O Sally, O Sally, O Sally," said he,
"Before six months roll round it's you will love me."
"I never will love you as long as I've breath,
And I'll dance on your grave whilst you moulder in earth."
6 Then after six months was over and past, We hear of this lady's misfortune at last.
She sent for this young man she had treated with scorn; She was pierced in her heart with a very sad moan. |
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