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.