In Sheffield Park- Miss King (Wilt) 1916 Williams
[From WSRO: 2598/36 Packet 4 - Wiltshire: Williams, A: MS collection No Wt 339; also published in Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard, 22nd January, 1916, p 2, Part 15, No. 7. Williams notes follow,
R. Matteson 2017]
Notes
Williams, Alfred: Ms / WGS: 'This song I have heard but once, i.e. at Castle Eaton, where I obtained it of Miss E. King. It is a very old piece, rather plain and simple, but with an admirable ending.'
In Sheffield Park- Sung by Miss E. King, of Castle Eaton, Wiltshire. Collected by Alfred Williams.
Verse 1
In Sheffield Park there once did dwell,
A brisk, young lad - I loved him well;
He courted me, my heart to gain,
He's gone and left me full of pain.
Verse 2
I went upstairs to make my bed,
I laid me down but nothing said;
My mistress came to me and said -
"What is the matter with you, my maid?"
Verse 3
My mistress then from me did go -
"Some help, some help, some help for you!"
"No help, no help, no help I crave,
Sweet William has brought me to my grave.
Verse 4
You take this letter to him with speed,
And give it to him, if he can read;
Bring me an answer without delay,
For he has stolen my heart away."
Verse 5
He took the letter immediately,
And read it over while I stood by;
And soon he did this letter burn,
Leaving the maid to weep and mourn.
Verse 6
"Oh, foolish girl, to weep for me!
Think I could fancy none but thee?
The world was not made for one alone,
I take delight to hear thee moan.'
Verse 7
We gathered the green leaves for her bed,
And a flowery pillow for her head;
And the leaves that grow from tree to tree,
Shall be a covering over thee.
Verse 8
"Oh, mistress, mistress, you little know,
What pain and sorrow I undergo;
Oh, put your hand on my left breast,
My aching heart can take no rest."