Cat. #0062 (MFH #311) - As sung by Mrs. Allie Long Parker, Eureka Springs, Arkansas on April 14, 1958
VERSE 1
T'was as is happened on last Saturday night
Me and my love were about to take flight
The waking maid being standing by so plainli did see
She went unto my Mother an' told this on me
VERSE 2
My Mother, she locked me in a room that was high
Where no one could see me nor no one passed me by
She bundled up my clothes an' she bid me begone
So sick and sadly I slip-ed along
VERSE 3
My Father provided me one-hundred pounds
Likewise horse an' saddle for me to ride upon
Six brave horsemen to ride by my side
In order to make me young Sammuel Moores bride
VERSE 4
We rode and we rode till we came to th town
We rode to Square Gordon's an' there we got down
In fifty-five pieces my golden braclet flew
I thought my poor heart it would surely break into
VERSE 5
Old Squire arose an' came to th door
My golden rings they bursted and fell upon th floor
When I should have spoken I scarce could make a sign
Th thoughts of young Johnny rose so in my mind
VERSE 6
There they compelled me to stand by his side
Likewise they compelled me to be his own bride
When I should have spoken I scarce could make a sign
Th thoughts of young Johnny rose so in my mind
VERSE 7
Safe behind my brother, I was carried home
My Mother, she conducted me safe into a room
She led me to a bedside an' there I set down
So sick and sad this body I found
VERSE 8
O Mother, dear Mother, go bar fast th door
An' let no one in, no not even Sammuel Moore
He never shall enjoy me or call me his wife
Before tomorrow morning, death will end this strife
VERSE 9
O daughter, dear daughter, I'll send for Johnny Dowell
Mother, dear Mother, it is not worth your while
Th last words she spoken were, Johnny dear, farewell
There's more grief in my heart then my poor tongue can tell