Hi,

I'll put a couple of older US versions; this one I've dated c. 1850. It comes to Michigan from Ohio and to the US from New Jersey. I also have several New Jersey versions I can post for comparison.

B. Polly Band- From the Lambertson manuscript. Mr. Charles Lambertson remembers hearing his mother sing this song. from: Ballads and Songs of Southern Michigan by Gardner and Chickering; 1939.

1 Polly walked out at the setting of the sun;
She stepped under a green bush the shower for to shun.

2 Johnny being a-hunting, it was somewhat dark;
He shot at a swan, not missing his mark.

3 Johnny ran to her; when he found it was she,
His joints they grew feeble, and his eyes could not see.

4 He embraced her in his arms till he found she was dead;
Then a fountain of tears all around her Johnny shed.

5 Johnny ran home with his gun in his hand,
Crying, "Daddy, dear Daddy, I've shot Polly Band.

6 "Her apron was about her, I took her for a swan,
But O alas, it was my Polly Band."

7 His father being an old man, his head somewhat gray,
Said, "Stay at home, dear Johnny, and don't run away.

8 "Stay in your own country, let your trial come on,
For you shall not be hanged by the laws of the land."

9 A night or two after, to her uncle she appeared,
Crying, "Uncle, dear uncle, Johnny Randall is clear.

10 "My apron was about me, he took me for a swan,
But O alas, it was I, Polly Band."

Richie