Tha Banks of the Pamanaw While strolling out one evening In the latter part of June The sun had sunk far in the west And brightly shone the moon. I strolled away from camp, my boys, To view the scenery 'round; 'Twas there I spied this Indian maid A-sitting on the ground. As I advanced up towards her She did not seem afraid I boldly stepped up to her And unto her I said: "You do surprise me very much ALthough you're but a squaw To see you here so lonely on The banks of the Pamanaw." "Draw nigh to me, young man," she said, "And I will tell you all. The truth I will unfold to you And the cause of my downfall. My brother and my sister died Likewise my pa and ma They left me here so lonely on The banks of the Pamanaw. And that's not all, young man," she said, "A lover once was mine He was a true, bold Indian scout On the British bounty line He courted me and flattered me Called me his lovely squaw, But now he's gone and left me on The banks of the Pamanaw." Said I, "My pretty fair maiden, Come and go along with me. I'll take you to a better land To a pale-face countree I'll dress you up in costly robes The likes you never saw, No more you need to ramble on The banks of the Pamanaw." "Oh no, oh no, young man," she said, "This you may very well know For I have taken, oh, my oath To live with the red deer and doe, For the white folks may break their oaths, Though I am but a squaw, I;ll live and die and keep my vows On the banks of the Pamanaw." From American Ballads and Folk Songs, Lomax Laws H11 DT #792 RG apr97
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