May Colvin
by Sėleas (words traditions; music Mary Macmaster)
from Play on Light


False Sir John a wooing came
to a maid of beauty rare
May Colvin was her name
her father's only heir

He woo'd her but he woo'd her ben
he woo'd her in the hall
till he's gotten her consent
to mount and ride awa'

They've gone down to her father's bower
where all the steeds did stand
there they've chosen her father's horse
the best that's in the land

He's got on and she's got on
swiftly they did flee
till they came to a lonely spot
a rock by the side of the sea

Get down get down May Colvin
your bridal here you see
I have drowned seven young ladies
and the eighth one you shall be

Cast off, cast off, May Colvin
all and your silken gown
it's ow'er good and costly
to rot in the salt sea foam

Cast off, cast off, May Colvin
all and your silver shune
they're ow'er good and costly
to rot in the salt sea foam

Turn around False Sir John
and look to the leaf of the tree
for it ne'er became a gentleman
a naked lady to see

He's turned himself around and about
and he's looked to the leaf of the tree
so swiftly did May Colvin
cast him into the sea

Help, oh help, May Colvin
help or else I'll drown
I'll take you back to your father's bower
and set you down safe and sound

No help, no help, False Sir John
no help 'though I pity thee
seven young ladies you have drowned
and the eighth one won't be me

She's got on her milk white steed
swiftly rode away
she's come home to her father's bower
before the break of the day