POOR MARY IN THE SILVERY TIDE (John Searle Sussex 1901)

It's of a fair young maiden, who dwelt on the seaside
With lovely form and features, she was called the village pride
There was a young sea captain, young Marys heart did gain
And true she was to Henry, although he was a pain.

It was in Henrys absence, that, a nobleman there came
A-Courting pretty Mary, but, she refused the same
Your vows are vain, for on the main, there's one I love, she cried
So, sling your hook, young nobleman, you cannot have a ride.

The nobleman was walking, all alone to take the air
Down by the rolling ocean, he met the lady fair
Then said this artful villain, Come walk with me my dear
And forget about young Henry, for he's a bit of a queer

With trembling hips said Mary, Oh my vows I ne'er can break
If Henry bats for the other side, that does no difference make
With his handkerchief he bound her arms, and plunged her o'er the side
And shrieking she went floating, all along the silvery tide

The nobleman was taken, and the gallows was his doom
For ending pretty Marys life, who scarced attained her bloom
Young Henry so dejected, down to a club he went
And met a pretty sailor boy, who lived in Dartford, Kent.