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Shepherd Of The Downs

  • (Trad)

    A shepherd of the downs being weary of his port
    Retired to the hills where he used to resort
    In want of refreshment he laid himself down
    He wanted no riches nor wealth from the Crown
    He wanted no riches nor wealth from the Crown

    He drank of the cold brook he ate of the tree
    Himself he did enjoy from all sorrow was free
    He valued no girl be she ever so fair
    No pride nor ambition he valued no care (2x)

    As he was a-walking one evening so clear
    A heavenly sweet voice sounded soft in his ear
    He stood like a post not one step could he move
    He knew not what hailed him but thought it was love (2x)

    He beheld a young damsel a fair modest maid
    She had something amiss and disguised in her face
    Disguised in her face she unto him did say
    How now Master Shepherd how came you this way (2x)

    The shepherd he replied and modestly said
    I never was surprised before at a maid
    When first you beheld me from sorrow I was free
    But now you have stolen my poor heart away (2x)

    He took her by the hand and this he did say
    We will be married pretty Betsy today
    So to church they did go and were married we hear
    And now he'll enjoy pretty Betsy his dear (2x)

    (as sung by Peter Bellamy)

Susannes Folksong-Notizen

  • [1971:] At the end of this song Brasser [James Copper] (1845-1924) [the author's grandfather] added, 'My Grandfathers used to sing this song'. (Copper, Song 259)

  • [1979:] The Copper family of Sussex believe this to be the oldest song in their repertoire. (Notes Peter Bellamy, 'Both Sides Then')

Quelle: England

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