The Blacksmith

A blacksmith courted me, nine months and better
He fairly won my heart, wrote me a letter
With his hammer in his hand he looked quite clever
And if I was with my love I’d live forever

But where is my love gone, with his cheeks like roses?
And his good black billycup gone decked round with primroses
I’m afraid the scorching sun will shine and burn his beauty
And if I was with my love I’d do my duty

Strange news is come to town, strange news is carried
Strange news flies up and down, that my love is married
I wish them both much joy, though they can’t hear me
And may God reward him well for the slighting of me

Don’t you remember when you lay beside me?
And you said you’d marry me and not deny me
If I said I’d marry you, it was only for to try you
So bring your witness love, and I’ll not deny you

Oh, witness have I none, save God Almighty
And may He reward you well, for the slighting of me
Her lips grew pale and wan, it made her poor heart tremble
To think she’d loved the one and he proved deceitful