In Worcester City- Harry Cox (Nor) c.1958 REC
[No source or date given. From: Voice of the People, Vol. 17: It Fell on a Day a Bonny Summer Day, 1998. Similar to broadside "Polly's Love." The last stanza is missing and the first part is abbreviated.
R. Matteson 2016]
In Worcester City- sung by Harry Cox of Norfolk, recorded by Mervyn Plunkett during the period 1958-60 (ref. Yates).
In Worcester City, in fair Worcestershire,
A handsome young damsel and she liv-ed there,
Young William he courted her, oh to be his dear,
And he by his trade was a ship carpentier[1].
Now it happened one day when his wages were paid,
Straight-a-way he went to her and this he did say,
"O Polly, dear Polly you must go with me
Before we are married some friend for to see."
Now he led her over hills and down valleys so deep
At last this fair damsel began for to weep;
"O William, dear William you've led me astray,
On purpose my innocent life to betray."
"It is true, it is true, there is no time to stand,"
He immediately took a sharp knife in his hand,
He pierced her fair body till the blood it did flow,
Then into her grave her fair body did go.
Now he covered her up so neat and secure,
Thinking no one would find her for he was quite sure,
Then he went on board ship, to sail the world 'round
He thought that the murder would never be found.
He had not been sailing, not days two or three,
When up spoke the captain to the ship's crew said he,
"There's a murderer on board, that has[1] lately been done
Our ship she's in mourning, she cannot sail on."
Then up spok-ed one "It's not me," he did say,
Then up spoke another, the same he did say,
Then up spoke young William to charge and to swear,
"It's not me, it's not me, I will vow and declare."
1. Sung "carpentier" to rhyme with "there"