The Silver Dagger- John Rogers (UT) 1949 Hubbard
[From: Ballads and Songs from Utah, Hubbard, 1961.
R. Matteson 2016]
30. THE SILVER DAGGER
This text from southern Utah is the only one we have recovered. Numerous versions been reported, especially in the Southern and Central states. Texts and references, pp. 350-352; Pound, pp. 721-124; Sharp, II, 229-23O; Brewster, pp. ZIL-ZI4; Belden 173-176; Randolph, II, 53-58; Morris, pp. 80-81.
Silver Dagger- Sung by D. John Rogers of Blanding on Aug. 15, 1949.
Come, men and maidens, pray lend attention
To these few verses I'm going for to write;
Is of a youth who lately courted,
Courted one for his bride.
Their parents tried both night and day
To part this youth and his true jewel,
Saying, "She's poor, she's poor,"
They did ofttimes say.
Her lover being both tall and handsome,
She heard all that he had to pass through.
She strayed way down in yon green meadows
Beneath a tall and shady grove,
She then pulled out a silver dagger
And pierced it through her snow-white breast,
Saying, "Adieu, adieu to all earthly kindred
And to all parents who strive for true lovers part."
Her lover being low in the valley,
He heard a faint and a feeble cry.
He ran just like one distracted,
Saying, "Love, oh love, I am not lost."
He then picked up this bleeding body
And he rolled it o'er all in his arms,
Saying it, "Fair friend, no gold can save you,
Must you die all in you charms?"
Her dark blue eyes like stars she opened,
Saying "William dear, you have come too late,
Prepare to meet me on Mount Zion,
Where our joys will be complete."
He then picked up this silver dagger,
And he pierced it through his aching heart,
Saying, "Adieu, adieu to all earthly kindred,
And to all parents who strive for true lovers part."
A double coffin then was prepar-ed,
And this fair couple lay side by side.
They were buried in yon green meadows,
And their parents they were left to mourn.