Henry Martin- Neville (NL) 1929 Karpeles C
[Maud Karpeles published three versions of this ballad, all titled Henry Martin, from Newfoundland. Karpeles first collecting trip to Newfoundland began on Sept. 9, 1929 and ended Oct. 29, 1929. She came back the next summer in 1930.
R. Matteson 2013]
C. Henry Martin- Sung by Mr. John Neville at Clarke's Beach, Conception Bay, 21st October, 1929
There were three brothers in merry Scotland,
And only three brothers were they,
They had to cast lots for to see who would go
To stand pirate all on the salt sea.
Hard lot did fall to Henry Martin,
The youngest of the three,
All for to stand pirate all on the salt sea
To maintain his two brothers and he.
He had not been sailing but a long winter's day [night]
And part of a short winter's day
When a long, lofty ship he chanced to spy
Came bearing down under our lee.
What ship, what ship? cried Henry Martin,
What ship, what ship? said he.
I'm a rich merchant ship bound for old England
If you please for to let me go free.
O no, O no, cried Henry Martin,
That thing can never be,
For I had to cast lots for to see which would go
To maintain my two brothers and me.
o throw back your main topsail and heave your ship to
And lie close up under my lee,
For your rich merchant's goods I will hoist them on board
And your mariners I'll sink in the sea.
'Twas yard-arm on yard-arm those two ships did lay,
For the space of two hours or three,
Till Henry Martin gave to her a broadside
And down to the bottom went she.
Bad news, bad news for George our King,
Bad news with a sorrowful sound,
A rich merchant's goods was taken away
And there's thirty-five mariners drowned.