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
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