The Blacksmith



A blacksmith courted me nine months or better

He bravely won my heart, wrote me a letter

With his hammer in his hand, he looked quite clever

And if I was with my love, I'd live forever



But where is my love gone with his cheeks like roses

And his good black billycock on, all crowned with primroses?

I'm afraid the scorching sun will shine and burn his beauty

And if I was with my love, I'd do my duty



Strange news has come to town, strange news is carried

Strange news flies up and down that my love, he's married

I wish them both much joy though they can't hear me

And may God reward them well for the slighting of me



"Don't you remember well 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 her poor heart tremble

To think she loved a one and he proved deceitful