Cat. #0424 (MFH #589) - As sung by Mrs. George Ripley, Milford, Missouri on November 21, 1959
VERSE 1
Young folks, young folks, come pay attention
To these few lines, I'm going to write
They are as true as ever was written
Concerning a fair an' a beautiful maid
VERSE 2
A handsome young man, courted this young lady
He loved her as he loved his life
He often told an' made a vowing
She would be his lawfully wedded wife
VERSE 3
But when his parents came to know this
They strove to part them day an' night
Saying, Son, o Son, why be so foolish
She is to poor for to be your wife
VERSE 4
When this young lady came to know this
She soon resolved what she would do
She wandered forth an' left th city
No more it's pleasant groves to view
VERSE 5
She took with her a silver dagger
An' pierced it through her snow white breast
First she reeled an' then she staggered
Saying, love, o love, I'm going to rest
VERSE 6
Young William down by th roadside wandered
He thought he heard his true loves voice
He ran, he ran, like one distracted
Saying, love, o love, I fear your lost
VERSE 7
Her cold black eyes, like diamonds opened
Saying, love, o love, you came to late
Prepare to meet me on Mount Zion
An' there our joy will be complete
VERSE 8
He first picked up th bleeding body
An' turned her over in his arms
Saying, neither love nor gold can save her
Now, she must die with all her charms
VERSE 9
He then picked up th bloody weapon
An' pierced it thru his own true heart
Saying, let this be a woeful warning
That lovers true, should never part