Hi Steve,

Didn't get the Porter scans (Richiematt7@gmail.com).

According to A Book of Scattered Leaves: Poetry of Poverty in Broadside Ballads, Volume 1 by James G. Hepburn , the Brown broadside is 1832-1837 but probably closer to 1837 when Taylor stopped printing new material.

I found this unusual version of Bramble that probably should be found in an Appendix since it's different. You can listen here: https://www.floridamemory.com/items/show/239440 Dark-Haired Lass is about 7:20 on top audio clip.

My quick transcription follows (corrections?):

The Black-Haired Lass- starts with a fiddle tune in minor; arranged by Robert H. Beers, performed 1963. Performed by Evelyne and Bob Beers.


VERSE 1: Down in the lowland there did dwell
A comely maid I knew fair well
And for her favor many did go
To tip a cup of kindness with her brothers-O
In the lowland low.

CHORUS- She's as wan[1] with a delicate air
She was a flower beyond compare.
Many's the lad did tipple his glass
All for the love of the black haired lass.

VERSE 2: Now there was a lad I knew him well,
All up on the mountain he did dwell,
And for her favor many did go
To tip a cup of kindness with her brothers-O
In the lowland low. (Chorus)

VERSE 3: Now she did mark his comely eye
And in her bower she did cry,
Not for his favor she did go
To tip a cup of kindness with her brothers-O
In the lowland low. (Chorus)

VERSE 4: Then on his [their] way her brothers did fly
By their wicked blade this youth did die
And for their favor he did go
To tip a cup of kindness with her brothers-O
In the lowland low. (Chorus)

VERSE 5: And in the twilight of the year
His ghostly form it did appear.
And for her favor he did go
To tip a cup of kindness with her brothers-O
In the lowland low. (Chorus)

VERSE 6: Oh maiden, maiden hear me well,
False-hearted kindred here doth dwell
Take heed my flight to all who go
To tip a cup of kindness with her brothers-O
In the lowland low. (Chorus)


1. She the swan?


Richie