I sang the Vaughn Williams setting of this folksong recently, and was puzzled, because although titled "The Lover's Ghost," there is nothing to indicate the supernatural in the lyrics we sang. It has since been suggested that there are more verses, and that this is a demon lover song, rather than a ghost song such as Greycock. If anyone knows more verses, or where I can find them, I would appreciate the information. Well met, well met, my own true love. Long time I have been absent from thee. I am lately come from the salt sea, And 'tis all for the sake, my love, of thee. I have three ships all on the salt sea And one of them has brought me to land. I have four and twenty mariners on board: You shall have music at your command. The ship whereon my love shall sail Is glorious for to behold. The sails shall be of shining silk, The mast shall be of the fine beaten gold. I might have had a king's daughter, And fain she would have married me. But I forsook her crown of gold, And 'tis all for the sake, my love, of thee.
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