Popular Music Of The Olden Time Vol 1

Ancient Songs, Ballads, & Dance Tunes, Sheet Music & Lyrics - online book

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REIGN OF ELIZABETH.                                                191
Will the Shepherd and fair Kate of the Green, both united together in pure love: to the tune, As I went forth to take the air;" commencing,— " Now am I tost on waves of love;
Here like a ship that's under sail," &c. and in the Koxburge, ii. 149, " The faithful lovers of the West: tune, Aslwalkt forth to take the air"
In Mr. Payne Collier's Collection, is " The unfortunate Sailor's Garland, with an account how his parents murdered him for love of his gold." It is in two parts, and both to the tune of Tlie Oxfordshire Tragedy. After four lines of exordium, it begins thus :—
" Near Bristol liv'd a man of fame, But I'll forbear to tell his name ; He had one son and daughter bright, In whom he took a great delight," &c. Another Garland, called " The cruel parents, or the two faithful lovers," is to the tune of The Oxfordshire Lady, and in the same metre.
The tune of The Oxfordshire Tragedy is in The Gobbleri Opera, 1729, The Village Opera, 1729, and Sylvia, or The Country Burial, 1731.
Down by a crystal river side, A gallant bower I espied, Where a fair lady made great moan, With many a bitter sigh and groan.
Alas! quoth she, my love's unkind, My sighs and tears he will not mind; But he is cruel unto me, Which causes all my misery.
My father is a worthy knight, My mother is a lady bright, And I their only child and heir; Yet love has brought me to despair.
A wealthy squire lived nigh, Who on my beauty cast an eye; He courted me, both day and night, To be his jewel and delight.
To me these words he often said: Fair, beauteous, handsome, comely maid, Oh ! pity me, I do implore, For it is you I do adore.
He still did beg me to be kind, And ease his love-tormented mind; For if, said he, you should deny, ' For love of you I soon shall die.
These words did pierce my tender heart, I soon did yield, to ease his smart; And unto him made this reply,— For love of me you shall not die.
With that he flew into my arms, And swore I had a thousand charms; He call'd me angel, saint, and he Did swear, for ever true to be.