Variation VII, Blacksmith (feat. Maddy Prior)

A blacksmith courted me nine months and better He fairly won my heart, he wrote me a letter With his hammer in his hand, he looked so clever And if I were with my love I would live forever Where is my love gone with his cheeks like roses With his good black billycock on decked with primroses I'm afraid the scorching sun will shine and burn his beauty And if I were with my love, I would do my duty Strange news has come to town, strange news is carried Strange news flies up and down that my love is married I wish them both much joy though they don't hear me And may God reward them well for the slighting of me What did you promise me when you laid beside me You said you'd marry me and not deny me If I said I'd marry you it was only for to try you So, bring your witness love and I'll not deny you Witness have I none save God almighty And may he reward you well for the slighting of me Her lips grew pale and wan, it made her heart tremble For to think she had loved one and he proved deceitful A blacksmith courted me nine months and better He fairly won my heart, he wrote me a letter With his hammer in his hand, he looked so clever And if I were with my love I would live forever