Here's Frank Hinchcliffe's version. I'll put the tune up later. (I don't know if singing 2 halves of a verse to the 2nd half of the tune was a mistake during recording or if he always sang it like that)

Mick

---

THE POOR OLD WEAVER'S DAUGHTER

As I was walking one May morn,
Across yon field so early,
I espied a maid, a most beautiful maid,
As sweet as any fairy.
I said "My pretty maid, where art thou going?"
And by the hand I took her.
She blushed and said, "I'm a-going home,
I'm a poor old weaver's daughter."

"Oh, may I come with you my pretty maid,
For gold and silver I've plenty?"
She turned her head and blushed and she said,
"Oh no, kind sir, I thank you.
My mother she is dead and lay in her grave
And the early lesson she taught me,
Was to marry for love and not for gold",
Cried that poor old weaver's daughter.

(2nd half of tune:)
"My father he is old and nearly blind
And he's almost past his labour;
It would break his heart for me to part,
For he's been such a good kind father"

(2nd half if tune:)
So parted from him I never shall be,
For he's been such a good kind father,
And until he is laid in his peaceful grave
I'm a poor old weaver's daughter.

"Fare-thee-well, fare-thee-well, sweet maid", I cried,
"May prospects ever be brighter
And the lad thou loved be constant and true
And happily be united.
For friendship's sake this gold ring take".
Such a lovely maid I thought her
And as long as I live I never shall forget
That poor old weaver's daughter.

Source: Frank Hinchcliffe LP In Sheffield Park