My Inconstancy - song lyrics 
American Old-time song lyrics from www.traditionalmusic.co.uk 
MY INCONSTANCY. 
My parents raised me tenderly, they had no child but me, But being of a rambling mood with them could not agree; So I became a rover, and it grieved my heart full sore To leave my aged parents, whom ne'er shall I see more. 
There was a worthy gentleman who lived in our part, Who had a lovely daughter, and I had gained her heart-She was noble-minded, and beautiful and fair, With Columbia's fairest daughters she truly could compare. 
I told her my intention was quite soon to cross the main, And asked if she'd prove faithful till I returned again; Big tear-drops came into her eyes, her bosom heaved a sigh, As earnestly she quick replied: My love can never die. 
She said: "I lately had a dream, I cannot well believe, What distance breaks the link of love and leaves a maid to grieve;" I fondly pressed upon her cheek warm kisses without fear, "I swear by Him who rules the sky that I will prove sincere." 
Her heart was true, as I believe, her eyes once more were calm, She placed her arms around my neck, they seemed as healing balm; Go forth, she said, my prayer shall be for perfect health and mind, And heaven grant you safe return to the girl you leave behind. 
According to arrangement I went on board a ship, And to the town of Glasgow I made a pleasant trip; I found that gold, was plenty, the maidens very kind, And my love began to cool for the girl I left behind. 
For Dublin's town I next set forth, a hospitable land, Where handsome Jenny Ferguson soon took me by the hand; Said she: I have gold in plenty, am in love with you, I find, [ So thoughts of riches destroyed my love for the girl I left behind. 
She said: If you will marry me and will no further rove, The gold that I possess is yours, and I will faithful prove; Your parents and all others whom you have left behind, You'll see no more if you marry me, and this must keep in mind. 
To this I soon consented, but only to my shame, For how can one be happy who is false to his good name; 'Tis true I've gold in plenty and a wife who is good and kind But still my pillow is haunted by the girl I left behind. 
My father is in his winding sheet, my mother, too, has gone, The girl I love seems standing near my fickleness to mourn; With broken hearts they all have died, and now too late I find That God doth know my cruelty to the girl I left behind.