Cat. #1066 (MFH #589) - As sung by Raymond Sanders, Mountain View, Arkansas on May 12, 1970
VERSE 1
A youth once courted a handsome lady
He loved her as, he loved his life
He often vowed, was his intention
To make 'er his lawful wedded wife
VERSE 2
O, when his parents came to know this
They strove t' part them day an' night
Saying, Son, O Son, don't be so foolish
For she's to poor, to be your bride
VERSE 3
And when this lady, come to know this
She quick resolved, what she would do
She wondered forth an' left th city
This pleasant place, no more to view
VERSE 4
She wondered down beside th river
There she prepared herself, for death
Saying, here I am, a youth unmarried,
An' I must die, in dark destress
VERSE 5
Well, she pulled forth a silver dagger
She plunged it in, her snow white breast
O, first she reeled an' then she staggered
Saying, my true love I'm goin' to rest
VERSE 6
Her sweetheart begin, in th valley
He thought he heard, his love one's voice
He ran, he ran, like one destracted
Saying, my true love, I fear your lost
VERSE 7
Well, he picked up th bloody body
He turned it over in his arms
Sayin, neither man or God can save you
An' you must die in all your charms
VERSE 8
Well, he picked up th bloody dagger
He stabbed in thru his own true heart
Saying, let this be a lawful warnin'
T' all who keeps true loves apart