from https://www.drpetercooke.uk/last-memories-of-traveller-betsy-whyte/

It was a pleasure and a privilege to know Bessie and Bryce Whyte for those few years. I think about them with appreciation and great warmth. And I still often hum or sing as I go about our house.

Betsy’s text for    The Rue and the Thyme

RUE AND THE THYME

I am a poor simple maiden, my fortune’s been bad
For years I was courted by a bold sailor lad.
Imagine my sorrow, my grief and my pain
Since he’s now gone and left me, he’s left me alane.

He wrote me a letter for me not to mourn
I sent him an answer I could do my own turn
I could work or sit idle as occasion suits me
Take a rest when I’m weary, saying ‘Farewell to thee’.

He sent me another with the red rose so fine
I sent him an answer with the rue and the thyme
Saying keep your love letter and I will keep mine
You write to your new love and I’ll write to mine.

Oh are you awaiting on some better chance
Or are you awaiting your fortune to advance
Or are you intending for to hold me in store
Or are you here come to tell me that you love me no more.

Oh I’m not awaiting on some better chance
I’m not awaiting my fortune to advance
Nor am I intending for to hold you in store
But I’m here come to tell you that I love you no more.

So you keep the rue love and I’ll keep the thyme
You write to your new love and I’ll write to mine
It’s no use lamenting for what might have been
It’s and auld and true saying that a new broom sweeps clean.



https://www.drpetercooke.uk/last-memories-of-traveller-betsy-whyte/