Phil Edwards asked about this one on the Tradsong mailing list (which I'm not a member of). Peter Blegvad basically sings the lyrics of Peggy Seeger from her and Ewan MacColl's album Blood & Roses Volume 5. Her version is from the singing of Lena Hill, Lexington, Alabama. THE WIFE OF USHER'S WELL Peggy Seeger There were a fair and a beautiful bride Children she had three; She sent them away to a northing school For to study gramaree. They were away but about three months Three months and a day; When there came death all over that land And stole her little babes away. There be a king in heavens above, Wearin’ of a golden crown, Please send home my sweet little babes This night or in the morning soon. It were about old Christmas-time, And the nights was long and cool; She dreamed she seen them sweet little babes Come a-running to their mother’s room. She set a table with a clean white cloth, Spread with bread and wine; Come eat, come drink, my sweet little babes, Come eat and drink of mine. We can’t eat your bread, mother, We can’t drink your wine; For in the morning, the morning soon, With our Saviour we must dine. She made a bed in the backmost room, Spread with a Holland sheet; And over the top run a golden quilt Come; my sweet little babes, and sleep. Green grass grown at our heads; mother, Green moss at our feet; And every tear you weeped for us Just wets our windin’ sheet. Wake; awake; said the eldest one, Wake; it’s almost day; Yonder stands our Saviour dear; And with him we must away. Farewell mamma and pappa too, Farewell Kitty and the Queen; How can I stay in this dark world? There’s a brighter one for me.
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