Hudson p 73 & p74

A "The Cruel Brother." Text recovered by Miss Lois Womble, Water Valley, from the singing of Miss Mamie Poindexter, Pine Valley.

Two little boys were going to school;
They were playmates for to be.
Willie said to johnnie,
"Can you throw a rock or toss a ball?"

"Oh, no, dear brother, I am too small
Tp throw a rock or toss a ball."

Willie took out his little dirt knife,    (dirk?)
Which was so keen and sharp.
He pierced it through little Johnnie's side;
He pierced it through his heart.

Willie took off his big white shirt
And tore it from gore to gore;
He tied it around little Johnnie's side,
Still bleeding more and more.

"Come pick me up, dear brother, I say,
And lay me out so straight;
Come pick me up, dear brother, I say,
And bury me by the gate.

"Go meet my mother on her way,
Who looks so unconcerned;
Tell her I'm gone to the old churchyard
My prayer books for to learn."

B coming up. I'd send you scans of all these but I'm between scanners at the moment.