LASS OF MOWEE
William Histed, Ship Cortes,, 1847

As I was a-roving for pleasure one day
For sweet recreations and sore cast away
I sat in a tavern and by me a glass
There happened to come in a young Indian lass
2
She stepped up to me and took hold of my hand
Saying you look like a stranger away from your land
But if you will follow you are welcome to come
And I live by myself in a snug little home
3
Just as the sun set behind the blue sea
I wandered alone with my little Mowee
Together we rambled together we rove
Until we came to her house in a coconut grove
4
With fondest expressions she said unto me
If you will consent to live along with me
And never shall go roving upon the salt sea
The language I'll learn you is of the Isle of Mowee
5
To which I replied that never can be
For I have a sweetheart in my own country
And I never will forsake her in her poverty
She has a heart that is as true as the lass of Mowee
6
Early next morning by the dawn of the day
I grieved her to the heart when these words I did say
I am going to leave you so farewell my dear
My ship has weighed anchor and for home we will steer
7
The last time I saw her she was down on the strand
As my boat passed by her she waved her hand
Saying when you get home to the girl that you love
Remember the maid in the coconut grove
8
Now I am safe landed in my own native shore
My friends and relations gather round me once more
Not one that comes round me not one do I see
That can be compared with the lass of Mowee
9
This young Indian was handsome she was modest and kind
She acted her part to the heavens devine
For when I was a stranger she took me to her home
So I'll think on the Mowee as I wander alone.

This song, obviously from "The Indian Lass" which is in broadsides c. 1850, usually has the spelling Mohee. This is the version with the earliest assigned date, from the MS. of songs collected by William Histed, Ship Cortes, New Bedford, 1847 (MS in New Bedford Public Library).

I couldn't find that this version has been posted.