I guess we haven't spent enough time swapping ballads with you, Jerry. Caroline also sings the Henry Lee from the Anthology. She learned it from the record when she was in college. She's asleep right now, so I can't ask her how she finessed the phrase in question. I suspect she went with the "doors of ivory" that often appears in other versions and in other ballads that include talking birds. I'm sure she doesn't sing about needing poverty. Frank Proffitt's haunting version of the ballad stops after the serving man (who has helped the lady dispose of the body) declines the lady's offer of a similar night of bliss in her bedchamber. Seems he suspects she might try to do him in, as well. Smart fellow. Dead servants tell no tales!

Sandy