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THE BANKS OF CLAUDY. |
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THE BANKS OF CLAUDY.
It was on a summer's morning, all in the month of May, Down by yon flowery garden, where Betsey did stray; I overheard a damsel in sorrow to complain, All for her absent lover, that ploughs the raging main.
I went up to this fair maid, and put her in surprise;
I own she did not know me, I being in disguise.
Said I, "My charming creature, my joy and heart's delight,
How far do you travel this dark and rainy night?"
" The way, kind sir, to Claudy, if you please to show— Pity a maid distracted, for there I have to go!
I am in search of a faithless young man, Johnny is his name, All on the banks of Claudy I am told he does remain.
" If Johnny was here this night, he would keep me from all
harm— He is in the field of battle, all in his uniform: As he's in the field of battle, his foes he will destroy— Like a ruling king of honor, he fought in the wars of Troy"
"It's six weeks and better since your true-love left the
shore; He's cruising the wide ocean, where foaming billows roar* He's cruising the wild ocean, for honor and gain— I was told the ship was wrecked oft* the coast of Spain."
"When she heard the dreadful news, she fell, in despair, To wringing of her hands and tearing of her hair. " Since he is gone and left me, no man will I take; In some lonesome valley I will wander for his sake 1"
His heart was filled with joy—no longer could he stand; He flew into her arms, saying, " Betsey, I am the man— I am the faithless young man whom you thought was slain, And, since we're met on Gaudy's banks, we'll never part again." |
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