Pretty Sarah (5) Down in some low valley in some lonesome place, Where the small birds to whistle their notes do increase. I think on pretty Sarah and her ways air so compleat, I could wish no better pastime than to be with my sweet. I came to this country eighteen-sixty-nine, I saw many lovers but I never saw mine. I looked all around me, I found I was alone, And I a poor soldier and a long ways from home. I wish I was a larks man and had wings and could fly Down in my love's window this night I would lie. All day and all night I would set down and cry, And in my love's lily white arms this night I would lie. I wish I was a penceman (pen-man, i.e writer)and could write a fine hand, I would write my love a letter that she might understand I would send it by the waters and the Island do flow I think on pretty Sarah wherever I may go. My love she won't have me because I am poor She says I am not worthy of entering her door. But I could maintain her on silver or gold And meny other fine things that my love's house could hold. My love she won't have me, as I understand She wants some free-holder that has houses and land. But she will repent it when her love's all in vain, For love is a torment and a heart-breaking thing. text from Virginia RR apr00
Thanks to Mudcat for the Digital Tradition!