Ty for your insights Steve. BTW I still didn't get music score, perhaps you don't have my email address correct: Richiematt7@gmail.com

Here's one of the few US version of the Polly's Love broadside circa 1820. It's interesting this predates Broadwood's 1893 collection by a number of years:

PRETTY POLLY-- The text was dictated by Mrs. Salley A. Hubbard of Salt Lake City, Oct. 7, 1946. She said that the "complete song" was sung by John Whittaker at a Fourth of July celebration in Willard before 1870.

1. They mounted on steeds and they rode through the greenwood;
O'er high hills and hollows and valleys they rode,
Like two doves together till a grave they did see,
A grave newly dug and a spade standing by.

2. She said, "William, come pity me, spare my poor life;
Let me live out my shame if I can't be your wife."
"Polly, oh Polly, there's no time to stand."
And instantly taking his knife in his hand,

3. He pierced her fair breast and the blood it did flow,
And into her grave her young body did throw.
He covered her o'ver and soon hastened on,
Left none but the small birds her state to be mourned.

4. He entered on board ship to sail the seas round,
And not until then was the murderer found.
"There's a murderer on board and he cannot be found;
Our ship stands in mourning and we cannot sail on."

5. Up steps one man and says, "It is not me,"
And up steps another and he said the same.
And up steps young William to stomp and to swear,
"It is not me I will vow and declare."

6. As William was hastening from the captain with speed,
He met his poor Polly, which made his heart bleed.
She ripped him, she stripped him, she tore him in three
Because he had murdered her and her baby.

Richie