The Gypsy Warning

Cat. #0176 (MFH #215) - As sung by Ethel Hunter, Springfield, Missouri on June 29, 1958

VERSE 1
Trust him not, O gentle lady
Tho' his voice is low and sweet
Heed not him who kneels before thee
Pleading softly at thy feet

VERSE 2
Now, thy life is in its mourning
Spoil not this thy happy lot
Listen to th gypsy warning
Gentle lady, trust him not

VERSE 3
Lady, once there lived a maiden
Pure and bright and like th fair
But he wooed, he wooed and won her
Filled her gentle heart with care

VERSE 4
Then he heeded not her weeping
Nor cared he, her life to save
Soon she perished, now she's sleeping
In th cold and silent grave

VERSE 5
Do not turn from me so coldly
I have only told th truth
From a stern and withered sorrow
Lady, I would shield thy youth

VERSE 6
I would shield thee from all danger
Shield thee from th tempters snare
Lady, shun th dark eyed stranger
I have warned thee, now beware

VERSE 7
Keep thy gold, I do not want it
Lady, I have prayed for this
For the hour that I might foil him
Rob him of expected bliss

VERSE 8
Now, I see, thou'rt filled with wonder
At my look so fierce and wild
Lady, in th green grave yonder
Lies th gypsies only child

Variants