The Swan- Henry Way (Dorset) 1906 Hammond
[From the Henry Hammond Manuscript Collection (HAM/3/18/23). Cf. The Swan by Handsford.
This is nearly identical to Handsford's Dorset version and may be from the same source. It is the 3rd authentic traditional version where Polly assumes the shape of a swan.
R. Matteson 2016]
The Swan- Sung by Henry Way of Bridport, Dorset in May 1906. Collector: H.E.D. Hammond.
One midsummer's evening when the sun had gone down
Young Jimmy went a-hunting with his dog and his gun
Young Jimmy went a-hunting with his dog and his gun
O! for the same purpose to shoot a white swan.
And his love was a-walking by the side of some pond
She felt herself tired she sate herself down
With a white apron all round her, she appeared like a swan,
So he shot his own darling his loved Polly Whan[1].
And when he came to her and found out it was she,
his heart bled for sorrow his eyes could not see,
And he took up his gun and home he run away,
Saying, "Uncle, dear uncle do you know what I've done?"
With a white apron all round her, she 'peared like a swan,
So he shot his own darling O! where shall I run?"
Up spoke his old uncle with his hair growing gray,
Stay at home in your country nor don't run away,
Stay at home in your country till the 'sizes come on,
You never shall be hung if I sell my corn.
When five days was over, the 'sizes come on,
Young Polly has rose in the shape of a swan,
Saying, "Uncle dear uncle, young Jimmy is free,
For he never shall be hanged for shooting of me."
1. has "Polly one"