The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #157636   Message #3725537
Posted By: Joe Offer
22-Jul-15 - 09:34 PM
Thread Name: Origins: Peggy Bann / Peggy Bawn
Subject: ADD Version: Peggy Benn
Yeah, I see what you mean, Michael. Here's Walter Pardon's rendition of "Peggy Benn," recorded by Mike Yates in the singer's home, Knapson, Norfolk, 24 June 978; as Peggy Bawn on Topic 12TS392.
From Volume 1 of Voice of the People.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOoESwq4-R4

PEGGY BENN

As I rambled over Highland hills to a farmer's house I came.
The night being dark and something wet I ventured in the same,
Where I was kindly treated and a pretty girl I spied,
Who asked me if I had a wife but marriage I denied.

I courted her all that long eve until near the dawn next day,
When frankly unto me she said, "Straight along with you I'll go.
For Ireland is a fine country and you to the Scots are kin,
So I will go along with you my fortune to begin."

The daybreak being nearly come I into the house was ta'en [taken].
When the good man kindly asked me if I would wed his daughter Jane.
"One hundred pounds I will give to you, beside a piece of land."
But scarcely had he spoke the words when I thought of Peggy Benn,

"Your offer, sir, is very good and I thank you, too," said I,
"But I cannot be your son-in-law and I'll tell the reason why.
My business calleth me in haste; I am the King's messenger bound.
I cannot be your son-in-law until I've seen the Irish ground."

Oh, Peggy Benn, thou art my jewel and thy heart lies in my breast.
Although we at a distance are, still I will love thee the best.
Although we at a distance are, and the seas between us roar,
Yet I'll be constant, Peggy Benn; and adieu for ever more.