Quaker's Wooing- Rosa S. Allen (MA) 1899 Barry
[From Some Traditional Songs. by Phillips Barry 1905. The following details by Stevebury follow. The Allen Family Songs were "compiled by Rosa S. Allen. Music arranged by Joseph A. Allen. As sung by the Aliens at the Homestead, Castle Hill, Medfield, Massachusetts, 1899." [Barry]
R. Matteson 2017]
The Allen family "Family Songs" is a published booklet with twelve songs (with tunes) from the Allen family. It was privately published by the family in 1899. At family reunions, the older members of the family knew and sang the traditional family songs. But, as explained in the introduction, "it is to be regretted that the later generations do not know them as well; and on that account, the compiler has undertaken this little book." The collection was reprinted in 1976 by the Newton [MA] Bicentennial Committee, The Jackson Homestead [which owns a copy], and the Newton Recreation Department, with an introduction and notes by Tony Saletan. I am working with Historic Newton on issuing a new reprint of this collection.
III. the Quaker's Wooing.
Barry: The most complete version of this quaint little comic song, for such it evidently is, may be found, with the air to which it was sung, in Mr. Newell's "Games and Songs of American Children." In the Allen songs is a shorter version, as follows: —
1. "Madam, I have come to woo thee,
O, hum, oh!
Madam, I have come to court thee,
Oh, hum, oh dear me!"
"Get you gone, you saucy Quaker,
Hi a dink a dady oh!
I'll have none of your Quakerish actions,
Kutty ka dink a dady oh!"
2 "I've a ring cost forty shilling,
Oh, hum, oh,
Thou shalt have it if thee art willing,
Oh, hum, oh dear me!"
"I 'll have none of your rings or money,
Hi a dink a dady oh!
I'll have a man that calls me ' Honey,'
Kutty ka dink a dady oh!"
3 "Must I then change my religion,
Oh, hum, oh!
And become a Presbyterian?
Oh, hum, oh dear me!"
" You must learn to lie and flatter,
Hi a dink a dady oh,
Else you never can come at ber,
Kutty ka dink a dady, oh!"