English Folk - Blacksmith

A blacksmith courted me

Nine months and better

He fairly won my heart

Wrote me a letter.

With his hammer in his hand

He looked so clever

And if I was with my love

I would live forever.

But where is my love gone

With his cheeks like roses

And his good black Billycock on

Decked around with primroses.

I fear the shining sun

May burn and scorch his beauty

And if I was with my love

I would do my duty.

Strange news is come to town

Strange news is carried

Strange news flies up and down

That my love is married.

I wish them both much joy

Though they can't hear me

And may God reward him well

For the slighting of me.

Don't you remember when

You lay beside me

And you said you'd marry me

And not deny me.

If I said I'd marry you

It was only for to try you

So bring your witness love

And I'll not deny you.

Oh, witness have I none

Save God Almighty

And may he reward you well

For the slighting of me.

Her lips grew pale and wan

It made a poor heart tremble

To think she loved a one

And he proved deceitful.

A blacksmith courted me

Nine months and better

He fairly won my heart

Wrote me a letter.

With his hammer in his hand

He looked so clever

And if I was with my love

I would live forever.