I'm doing some ballad research on my site and want to look at the ballad, Bramble Briar/ Merchant's Daughter/In Bruton Town.
This ballad was suggested to me by Steve Gardham, who has an article and several Appendices online. I'm not familiar with all the details but will learn as we go.
It's Belden's: "Boccaccio, Hans Sachs, and the Bramble Briar" from 1918 which I believe was precipitated by a statement by Broadwood.
I will post the translation later from Steve's article.
How did this ballad get to Madison County, NC? Where does it come from?
In Zepo Town
1. In Zepo Town there lived a merchant He had three sons and a daughter dear And among them all was the prettiest boy It was the daughter's dearest dear.
2. One evening they were in a room courting Their oldest brother chanced to hear He goes and tells his other brother Let's deprive her of her dearest dear.
3. So they rose up so early next morning A game of hunting was agreed to go But little did he think of a bloody murder A game of hunting he agreed to go.
4. They wandered over hills and valleys And through a many of a place unknown Till at last they became to a ditch of briars And there they killed him dead alone.
5. So they returned home late in the evening Their sister inquiring for the service boy Oh we got him lost in the Wildwoods hunting, No more of him could we ever find.
6. While she lie upon her pillow The service boy appeared in a dream Says: your brothers killed me rough and cruel All wallowed in a gore of blood.
7. But since your brothers has been so cruel To rob and steal your own sweet life One grave deserves both of our bodies I'll stay with you as long as life.
8. So she returned home late in the evening Her brothers asked her where she'd been Just hold your peace you deceitful v1lla1ns For one alone you both shall hang.
9. Her brothers being deep convicted To jump in a ship and find relief The winds did blow and the waves overcome them Their graves was both in the deep blue sea.