O Dearest Polly- W. Spearing (Som) 1904 Sharp MS
[My title. Version with music from Cecil Sharp Manuscript Collection (at Clare College, Cambridge) (CJS2/9/222). Similar to Polly's Love (broadside) -- missing the beginning and ending stanzas.
R. Matteson 2016]
Ship's Carpenter- Sung by William Spearing (Spearman) of Ile Brewers, Somerset on April 6, 1904. Collector: Cecil Sharp.
O dearest Polly you must go with me,
Before we get married our friends for to see
he took her trough woods so long and so deep,
Which caused this young damsel begin for to weep.
O dearest William you've led me this way,
On purpose my innocent life to later[1] away
'Tis true dearest Polly, these words that you say
For all this long night-- I've been digging your grave.
The grave standeth open and you standeth by,
O pardon sweet William, my baby and I.
No pardon will I give you, no time for to stand,
He took a sharp knife and he drew in his hand.
He pierced her heart until the blood [did] flow
And into this grave, her poor body he [did] throw
He covered her over so safe and so sure,
Not thinking this ever be found anymore.
He went for to sail the world all 'round,
But before he sailed this murder was found,
There's murder, there's murder now lately been done
For this ship in full order, and won't sail along.
1. MS unclear