Wild Silk

The Blacksmith

A blacksmith courted me, nine month and better
He fairly won my heart, wrote me a letter
With his hammer in his hand, he looked so clever
And if I was with my love, I'd live forever

And where is my love gone, with his cheeks like roses
And his good black billycook on, clecked with primroses
I'm afraid the scorching sun will shine and burn his beauty
And if I was with my love, I'd do my duty

Strange news has come to town, strange news is carried
Strange news flies up and down, that my love is married
I wish them both much joy though they don't hear me
And may God reward him well, for slighting of me

What did you promise love, when you sat beside me
You said you would marry me and not deny me
If I said I'd marry you, it was only for to try you
So bring your witness love and I'll ne'er deny you

Oh witness have I none, save God Almighty
And he'll reward you well, for the slighting of me
Her lips grew pale and white, it made her poor heart tremble
To think she loved one and he proved deceitful