The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #60776 Message #2382705
Posted By: Q (Frank Staplin)
06-Jul-08 - 10:38 PM
Thread Name: Lyr Req: All in the Downs
Subject: Lyr. Add: Answer to Black-eyed Susan
Lyr. Add: ANSWER TO BLACK-EYED SUSAN
Seeing sweet Susan's loyalty, Tears down his cheeks did drop amain, Into her arms he straight did fly, Saying, why does my love complain? I am thy William join'd to thee by oath? Nothing but death shall part us both.
My dear, behold on my right breast, You know there grows a certain mole, Let not thy heart be sore oppress'd, Here is the broken piece of gold, Which we did break upon a certain day, When you departed and I went away.
Sorrow and hardship I went through, While I was on the raging main, Now to my dear beloved Sue, I am returned safe again; No more I'll cross the raging ocean wide, But live in pleasure with my loving bride.
Susan in a swoon did faint, At William's feet I do declare, He rais'd her up into his arms, Soon he reviv'd his charming fair; William and Susan sweetly pass'd along, To Plymouth Church, where multitudes did throng.
Twenty stout sailors so brave and bold, And twenty maids in rich attire, A glorious sight for to behold, Music played at their desire; To charm the bride and bridegroom there, Now they are join'd, a sweet happy pair.
Bodleian Ballads, Harding B28(74), between 1820-1824, printed by W. Armstrong, Liverpool. Anon.
A poor 'answer,' not up to the standards of John Gay's original, but added for completeness. Probably as opposite to a sailor's wedding as it is possible to get.