To everybody, but especially to Malcolm Douglas. Seeing what said on the previous thread about Sweet William's Ghost, should we consider this version (here in a A. L. Lloyd recording)to be Child number 77 or Child number 248? I think it is difficult to decide.

You're welcome home again
Said the young man to his love
I've been waiting for you many a night and day
You're tired and you're pale
Said the young man to his dear
You shall never again go away

I must go away - she said
When the little cock do crow
For here they will not let me stay
Oh, but if I had me way
Sure me dearest dear – she said
This night should be never never day

Oh, pretty little cock
Oh, you handsome little cock
I pray you do not crow before day
And your wings shall be made
Of the very beaten gold
And your beak of the silver so grey

But oh, this little cock
This handsome little cock
He crew out a full hour too soon
It's time I should depart
Oh me dearest dear - she said
For it's now the going down of the moon

And where is your bed
My dearest love? - he said
And where are your white holland sheets?
And where are the maids
Oh my darling dear - he said
That wait upon you whilst you are asleep

The clay it is me bed
My dearest dear - she said
The shroud is my white holland sheet
And the worms and creeping things
Are me servants, dear – she said
That wait upon me whilst I am asleep