THE COURTING CASE



O Sir, I see you come again

Pray tell me why it's so;

When I left you in Gordonsville

I told you to come no more.



O madam, I have come again,

I'll tell you why it's so :

When I left you in Gordonville,

I told you I was coming once more.



O madam, I have a very fine house,

It is new erected fine;

It all can be at your command

If you will be my bride.



Kind sir, I know your very fine house,

And also very nice yard;

O who will stay with me at night

When you are at playing of cards?



O madam, I don't play cards at night,

I never thought it was right;

If you will consent and marry me

I won't stay out one night.



Kind sir, I know what that is said for,

It's just to take me in;

When you get me at your command

You'll drink and gamble again.



O madam, I have a very fine field,

It's sixty acres wide;

It all can be at your command

If you will be my bride.



O sir, I know your very fine field,

And also very nice fruit;

When I come in, I'll turn you out,

Fur you know that hog will root.



O madam, I have a very fine horse,

His pace is like the tide.

If you will consent and marry me

O you may have him to ride.



O sir, I know your very fine horse,

Thee horse that knows no harm ;

His master loves to drink and gamble,

And I'm 'feared his horse might learn.



O madam, you have red, rosy cheeks,

And I have got my land;

O madam, you have your coal-black hair.

O keep them and be damned.



O sir, I have my red rosy cheeks,

And you have got your land;

O sir, I have my coal-black hair,

And they are another man's.



From English Folk Songs in the Southern Appalachians, Sharp.

Collected from Mrs. Lawson Gray, VA 1918

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