Doing a bit more delving, I see that broadside versions include the final "floater" verse more often than not, but it begins, "Come all maidens who go a-courting". So my blather about sailors and sea banks was a red herring, except as it pertains to Martin Carthy's version.

I also committed a mondegreen: "I notice plain" where it should be "I know 'tis plain" (though I think "notice" is an improvement!)

I'm toying with a penultimate verse to reconcile the story with the final verse in it's dark-to-shiny form; up to now, I've chosen to reverse it. So far (first day) this is my best shot:

In that lone haven she met another
Whose regard was constant and would never yield.
There, like the blossoms of sweet primroses,
Her heart reopened and their love was sealed.

What I like about it:
* It's pithy but complete; the song keeps to a good length.
* It has a happy ending: she ends up with someone loving and trustworthy.
* It's circular: as in JeffB's version, the primroses are reprised and serve a secondary purpose.

Comments?