Lyr. Add: THE WILLOW TREE

1
Don't you remember the vows so tender,
You fondly pledged to me,
When the stars & moon so sweetly shone
'Twas under the willow tree.
You vow'd you'd ne'er deceive me,
And fondly I believed thee,
When the moon shone so sweetly,
Over the willow tree.
2
Why did you say my lips(1) were red
And made the scarlet pale,
And why did I, poor silly maid,
Believe the flattering tale.
I thought you ne'er deceived me,
So fondly I believed thee,
When you vow'd so sweetly,
You'd love no other but me.
3
Did you but know the silent tear
I've fondly shed for thee,
I never close my languid eyes
Unless to dream of thee,
And of joys that are departed,
I think quite broken-hearted,
And your wordd when last we parted
I love no other but thee.
4
Would I could tear you from my heart,
But that will never be,
Till I lie in the silent grave
Under some willow tree.
Then should you this way wander
You'd heave a sigh and ponder,
In her cold grave lies yonder,
The girl that died for me.

Harding B11 (3284), c. 1813-1838, J. Catnach, London, Bodleian Collection.

(1)
Why did you say my cheeks were red,
Yet make those cheeks look pale,
etc.
Firth b25(434), Bodleian Collection, J. Harkness, Preston, c. 1840-1866