5





THE HOUSE CARPENTER -





Well met, well met, my old true love

Well met, well met, he cried, 

For I’m just returning from the salt salt sea,

And its all for the love of thee



Oh, I could have married a King’s daughter dear,

And she would have married me,

But I refused a crown of gold,

And its all for the love of thee.



If you could have married the King, daughter dear,

I think you are to blame,

For I have lately been married to a house carpenter,

And I think he’s a fine young man.



Oh, wont you leave your house carpenter,

And go along with me  ?

I’ll take you where the grass grows green,

On the bank of sweet Willowree.



If I should leave my house carpenter,

And go along with you,

Pray what have you to maintain me on,

And keep me from slavery ?



I have seven ships all sailing on the sea,

All sailing for dry land,

One hundred and ten xxxxxxx bold brave looking men,

You may have them at your command.



She went and dressed in her finest array, 

And slowly turned away,

For she outshined the glittering gold,

Most beautiful to behold.



She went and kissed her sweet little babe,

She kissed it, she have it three,

Saying you stay here my dear darling little babe,

And keep your papa company.



They hadn’t been on ship two weeks or more,

I’m sure ti was not three,

Until this lady was known to weep, 

And she wept most bitterly.



Oh, is it for my gold you weep,

Or is it for my store,

Or is it for the house carpenter,

You never shall see anymore ?



It is not for your gold I weep,

Neither is it for your store,

But its for my dear darling little babe,

I never shall see any more.