Rover- Elijah Iles (Wilt) 1916 Alfred Williams
[From: WSRO: 2598/36 Packet 4 - Wiltshire: Williams, A: MS collection No Wt 511; also Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard, 12th February, 1916, p 3, Part 18, No. 9. Williams notes follow.
R. Matteson 2017]
Williams, Alfred: Ms / WGS "An ancient and simple piece, that is only remembered by the most aged men. I obtained the copy of Elijah Iles of Inglesham and James Shilton, Lechlade, one of whom is ninety four, and the other ninety years of age."
Rover- sung by Elijah Iles of Inglesham, 1916 collected by Alfred Williams
Verse 1
I am a rover and that's well known,
I'm just a-going to leave my home;
To leave my home and my friends to mourn;
Farewell my bonny girl, till I return.
Verse 2
She drew a chair, and bid me sit down,
And soon she told me her heart was won;
She drew a chair, whilst I took my leave:
Farewell my bonny girl, don't grieve.
Verse 3
Then I sat down and wrote a song,
I wrote it wide, and I wrote it long;
At every line I shed a tear,
And at every verse I cried -"Polly dear."
Verse 4
"I am not married, but I am free,
And I am not bound to marry thee;
But a married life I soon will see,
For a contented mind bears no jealousy."
Verse 5
As I crossed over yon dreary moor,
There I lost sight of my true love's door;
My heart did ache, my eyes were blind,
Thinking on the bonny girl I'd left behind.
Verse 6
I wish, I wish, but it's all in vain,
I wish I was a maid again;
But a maid again I'll never be,
Till apples grow on an orange tree.