Hi,

I'm doing some ballad research on my site and want to look at the ballad, Bramble Briar/ Merchant's Daughter/In Bruton Town.

This ballad was suggested to me by Steve Gardham, who has an article and several Appendices online. I'm not familiar with all the details but will learn as we go.

I'll post an article that should be considered: http://www.bluegrassmessengers.com/1boccaccio-hans-sachs-and-the-bramble-briar.aspx

It's Belden's: "Boccaccio, Hans Sachs, and the Bramble Briar" from 1918 which I believe was precipitated by a statement by Broadwood.

I will post the translation later from Steve's article.

How did this ballad get to Madison County, NC? Where does it come from?

In Zepo Town

1. In Zepo Town there lived a merchant
He had three sons and a daughter dear
And among them all was the prettiest boy
It was the daughter's dearest dear.

2. One evening they were in a room courting
Their oldest brother chanced to hear
He goes and tells his other brother
Let's deprive her of her dearest dear.

3. So they rose up so early next morning
A game of hunting was agreed to go
But little did he think of a bloody murder
A game of hunting he agreed to go.

4. They wandered over hills and valleys
And through a many of a place unknown
Till at last they became to a ditch of briars
And there they killed him dead alone.

5. So they returned home late in the evening
Their sister inquiring for the service boy
Oh we got him lost in the Wildwoods hunting,
No more of him could we ever find.

6. While she lie upon her pillow
The service boy appeared in a dream
Says: your brothers killed me rough and cruel
All wallowed in a gore of blood.

7. But since your brothers has been so cruel
To rob and steal your own sweet life
One grave deserves both of our bodies
I'll stay with you as long as life.

8. So she returned home late in the evening
Her brothers asked her where she'd been
Just hold your peace you deceitful v1lla1ns
For one alone you both shall hang.

9. Her brothers being deep convicted
To jump in a ship and find relief
The winds did blow and the waves overcome them
Their graves was both in the deep blue sea.