Hi Steve,

What is the name of the Ramsey version? I'm aware of the two Roud numbers- and some of the differences. Have you found any similar broadsides under Maiden's complaint? Do you think the ending is part of "The Unkind Parents, or, The Languishing Lamentation of two Loyal Lovers" or a similar broadside? Here's another British broadside. It seems her father is more than willing to marry her off to save money!!!

THE MAIDEN'S COMPLAINT. Harding B 17 (183a). Printer, T. Birt, 10, Great St. Andrew Street, wholesale and retail, Seven Dials, London, Country Orders punctually attended to, Every description of Printing on reasonable terms. Between 1828 and 1829.

Awake, awake, you drowsy sleeper,
Awake, awake, 'tis break of day,
Can you sleep my love any longer,
Since my poor heart you've stole away.

Ah! who is that under my window,
Ah! who comes there to disturb my rest?
'Tis thy lover, the young man did answer
Long thus I have waited for your sake.

Jemmy, says she, should my father hear you,
We shall be ruined I fear;
He will send a cruel press gang for you,
And separate you and me, my dear.

Her father chanc'd to overhear them,
And for a press gang sent straight-way;
Against this young man gave information,
And sent him sailing on the sea.

So now my dear daughter I have deprived you
Of your love whom I have sent to see; (sic)
And now you may send him a letter,
With your misfortunes acquainted to be.

Oh cruel father pay down my fortune
Five hundred pounds is due you know;
And I will cross the briny ocean,
To find my true love I will go.

Jemmy is the man that I do admire,
He is the man that I do adore;,
And if I can't have my heart's desire
Single I will go for evermore.