The Courting of Aramalee- Pet Fugate (KY) No date given
[The Ballad Book of John Jacob Niles was published in 1961, probably this dates back a ways to the 1930s, why Niles didn't affix a date is unknown. A version of this Niles ballad was arranged by Michael Smith and appears on Fourtold (Steve Gillette, Cindy Mangsen, Anne Hills, Michael Smith; released on Appleseed Recordings, in 2003).
The names like Aramalee: Polly, Colendee, Colvin, Collean, Collenendee, Goldan, Goldin, are generic slang words for the Irish word, cailin, meaning "girl," "girlfriend" or "lover." (Barry 1909)
This is fairly traditional sounding, as if arranged rather than recreated. The legitimacy of this is questionable and most of his later collected ballads have been summarily rejected by Bronson (although he includes version A first published in 1938.)
R. Matteson 2011, 2014]
Niles: Here are 10 two-line stanzas which tell the deathless story of Lady Isabel and her knight. They were recited (not sung) by Mrs. Pet Fugate who was visiting and assisting at a stir-off on Fugarte's Fork, near Hardshell, Ky. Mrs. Fugate was ancient of days, but very gay. She was quite proud of her recitation and gave it with spirit.
The Courting of Aramalee- Pet Fugate (KY) No date give, collected John Jacob Niles
1. He courted her above, he courted her below,
He showed her the ways of courtin' the first she ever did know.
2. She tried to send him on his way, she chased him over the lea,
But never a bit would he ever go for a-courtin' of Aramalee.
3. He said, "Go get your father's gold, go get your mother's fee,
And saddle a horse for a man to ride and one for a fine lady."
4. She mounted herself on a deep dark roan, himself on a medium gray,
And after two hours twill midnight, they quietly rode away.
5. "Light down, light down, fair Aramalee, beside this cliff of rocks,
For here is where I kill the girls who ride away with me.
6. "Pull off that pretty silken gown and the cord that round it goes,
For a naked girl will drown as quick as one a-wearin' clothes.
7. "Pull off the gown, pull off the rings, and give them unto me,
For they are much too costly to rot in the salt, salt sea."
8. "It's turn, oh turn, your head away and look at yonder sea,
'Cause if I take my dresses off, a naked girl you'll see."
9. "I've seen nine naked ladies here, and you the tenth will be,
But just to please a princess, I'll look at yonder sea."
10. He turned his head around about, she pushed him quickly in,
And rode off to her castle to make up for her sin.