English Folk Songs from the Southern Appalachians

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	No. 39 The Cruel Ship's Carpenter A

	2 O Polly, O Polly, if you will agree, It's I have a friend that we will go and see. He led her over mountains and valleys so deep, Till at length pretty Polly began for to weep. 3 O William, O William, you're leading me astray On purpose my innocent heart to betray. 0 Polly, O Polly, I guess you spoke right, 1 were digging your grave the best part of last night. 4 She fold her arms around him without any fear. How can you bear to kill the girl that loves you so dear ? Polly, O Polly, we've no time to stand, And instantly drew a short knife in his hand. 5 He opened her bosom all whiter than snow, He pierced her heart and the blood it did flow, And into the grave her fair body did throw. He covered her up and away did go, He left nothing but small birds to make their sad mourn. 6 He entered his ship all upon the salt sea so wide, And swore by his Maker he'd sail to the other side. Whilst he was sailing on in his full heart's content, The ship sprung a leak and to the bottom she went. 7 Whilst he was lying there all in his sad surprise, He saw pretty Polly all in a gore of blood. O William, O William, you've no time to stay, There's a debt to the devil that you're bound to pay. 154