The Swan- J. Handsford (Dorset) 1906 Hammond
[From the Henry Hammond Manuscript Collection (HAM/3/16/19). The MS may be viewed Online at the Vaughan Williams Memorial Library.
This version is very similar to the one by Henry Way. Handsford sings her name as "Polly one" which is similar to the Pitts broadside name, Polly Whan, so I've changed "one" to "Whan." The last stanza is similar to the 1903 version by Lucy White which has,
5 In six weeks' time when the 'Sizes came on
Young Polly appeared in the form of a swan,
R. Matteson 2016]
The Swan- Sung by J. Handsford 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
All in some 'tention to shoot some swan.
Where Polly was a-walking downside of some pond
She felt herself tired she sate herself down
With a white apron all round her, he took her fro a swan,
So he shot his own darling his own Polly Whan [1].
Oh! when he had drawed nigh and see what he's done,
his heart bled for sorrow his eyes could not see,
Crying, "Polly dear Polly my own heart's delight
If I could see thee alive I'd make thee my bride."
Then he took up his gun and he run away,
Crying, "Uncle, dear uncle do you know what I've done?
Crying, "Uncle, dear uncle do you know what I've done?"
I've shot my own darling my own Polly Whan [one].
Then up spoke his old uncle with his hair growing gray,
"Don't leave your country nor don't run away,
But stop in your own country till the 'sizes come on,
You shall never be hanged if I sell my own land[2].
When five days was over, the 'sizes come on,
Young Polly appeared in the shape of a swan,
Crying, "Uncle dear uncle, young Jimmy is free,
For he never shall be hanged for shooting of me."
1. has "one"
2. the land will be sold to pay the court