Sheffield Park- Mrs. Cranstone (Sus) 1909 Butterworth
[From George Butterworth Manuscript Collection (GB/4/33)
R. Matteson 2017]
Sheffield Park- sung by Mrs. Cranstone of Billingshurst Sussex about 1909; collected by G. Butterworth
In Sheffield Park, oh there did dwell
A brisk young lad, and I loved him well
He courted me my heart to gain
He's gone and left me full of pain
I went upstairs to make my bed
I laid me down and nothing said
My mistress came unto me and said
What is the matter with you, my maid?
0 mistress mistress you little know
The pain and sorrow I undergo
Oh put your hand on my left breast
My aching heart can get no rest
Take this letter to him with speed
And give it to him if he can read
And bring me an answer without delay
For he has stole my heart away.
Away, away from me did go,
Some help some help, I have fro you,
No, help, no help I crave,
Sweet William brought me to the grave.
She took the letter immediately
He read it through while she stood by
And quickly did that letter burn
Hearing[1] this maid to make her moan
How can she think so fond I'd be
That I could fancy none but she
Man was not made for one alone
I take delight when I hear her moan.
Then she returned immediately
She found her maid as cold as clay
Beware young maids don't love in vain
For love has broker her heart in twain.
1. hard to read