The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #157848   Message #3728218
Posted By: Steve Gardham
04-Aug-15 - 05:27 PM
Thread Name: Lyr Req: Betsey the Milk-Maid/Blackberry Fold
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Betsey the Milk-Maid/Blackberry Fold
Highly recommended, Matt. But if you are not successful I could post it for you.

Meanwhile The earliest version I have is late 18thc in a longer version entitled 'The Virtuous Milkmaid's Garland'. Different printings have 26 stanzas. Other than that Pitts printed the more usual ballad 'The Squire and Milkmaid, or Blackberry Fold' before 1819.

TVMG starts 'Draw near you young lovers and I'll let you know'
TS&M starts 'It's of a rich/young squire in Bristol did/doth dwell