It's of a Rich and a Gay Old Farmer- Henry Mitchell (Hants) 1938 Bonham-Carter
[From English Dance and Song - Volumes 36-37 - Page 20; 1974.
R. Matteson 2016]
It's of a rich and a gay old farmer - sung by Henry Mitchell, 4 August, 1938 at The Laurels, Buriton, Hants. Collected by Sibella Bonham-Carter, sung to the tune of William Taylor.
1. It's of a rich and a gay old farmer
He had two sons and a daughter dear
And she was courted by her father's servant
In this world she loved him dear.
2. One of these brothers said to the other
"You see our sister means to wed
And their courtship shall soon be ended
We'll lay him in a silent grave.
3. So they ask of him to go a-hunting,
And a-hunting he went without fear or strife
And these two brothers they bin so cruel
They took away this young man's life.
4. As this young damsel on her bed lay sleeping
Such dreadful thoughts were in her mind.
She dreamt her brothers had done a murder
'Twas near a quick his body lies.
5. 'Twas near a quick[1] where there was no water
Where she found his sweet body lying[2],
The blood all on his lips was dried[3]
And his tears was salter than the brine.
6. Oft-times[4] she kissed him and then she cried:
"Here lies a bosom friend of mine."[5]
7. Three days and three nights she still lie mention[6]
Till[7] her poor heart was filled with woe
And then sharp hunger came creeping over her
And homeward she was bound to go.
8. One of these brothers said to the other
"What makes our sister so pale and white?"
"O brothers brothers you know the reason
And for the same you both shall die."
9. Then these two brothers was taken and tried
For the dreadful murder they had done
They both was tried and brought in guilty
And for the same they both was hung.
1. "creek" see also "A Famous Farmer"
2. [sung as one syllable as 'line']
3. [Alternative verse]
last half of 5. The blood upon his cheeks was drying
Her tears came salt as any brine.
6. She sometimes kissed him, sometimes crying
“Here lies the only friend of mine”
4. has "Of times"
5. The use of the understated word “friend” rather than “love” just seems to heighten the despair. [This from an editor.]
6. weeping?
7. has "To"