Lyr Req: Richard Harold

Subject: Lyr Req: Richard Harold
From: GUEST,Helena Triplett
Date: 30 Nov 08 - 10:41 PM

Hi all,
Looking for the rest of the lyrics to a song fragment that contains this verse.

Up to the topmast high I tied him.
There I left him nine long days.
And I swore that the first one to relieve him.
Not one hour would he live more.

It has the title of "Richard Harold" but this may not be accurate, you know how these things go.
Apreciate any leads
Thanks,
Helena.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Richard Harold
From: Malcolm Douglas
Date: 01 Dec 08 - 07:49 AM

Almost certainly from 'The Captain's Apprentice' or 'Captain James' (Roud Index number 835); two verses seem to have been conflated into one here.

For some background, see an earlier discussion: Origins: The Cruel Ship's Captain (Broadside?)

When asking questions like this, it is helpful if you tell us what you already know; saves time for everybody. So, the usual questions:

Where did you get the fragment? Print? Word of mouth? When? Was there any context to it? Did it have a tune?