here's a version from Maine
Robin Hood's Bay
Manuscript From the Phillips Barry Collection, Houghton Library, Harvard Univ.
Frank Matthus / Matthers 1927
Titled "Sea Song"
Crossed out is Sailor's Return
Robin Hood's Bay ( underlined )

Spelling errors corrected by JL

In Robin Hood's bay a fair damsel did dwell
She was courted by a sailor who did love her well
He promised he would marry her when he did return
Mark his sad fortunes this young man was drowned

2
For then these poor sailors they put out to sea
In a terrible gale that chanced for to be
Oh the winds they did whistle and the wild waters roar
Which drove them Poor sailors far from the sea shore

3
Then these poor sailors they swam for their lives
Some they had sweethearts and others had wives
But this poor young sailor he chanced to be one
Marked his sad fortunes a watery tomb

4
When these sad news this young girl did hear
She wrung her white hand and she tore out her hair
Crying "All you wild billows bring my love back on shore
That I may behold his sweet features once more"

5
As she was strolling in Robin Hood's Bay
She espied a dark object come adrifting her way
She stopped and she gazed, brought herself to a stand
She knew it was her true love by a mark on his hand.

6
She hugged him and kissed him o'er and o'er
She cried and she kissed him a dozen times o'er
Crying, "I am contented to die by your side!"
One more kiss on his cold lips; broken hearted she died.

7
In Robin Hood's churchyard, this young couple does dwell
Over their grave is a covering this sorry does tell
So come all you young sailors who pass by this way
Think of this young sailor of Robin Hoods Bay