I Courted a Damsel Songtext
von Martin Carthy & Dave Swarbrick

I courted a damsel of the fairest beauty bright
And I did my best endeavor to gain my heart′s delight
I courted her for love and love of her I did obtain, I did obtain
My love, she had no reason at all for to complain

When that her father, he came this for to know
That I courted his dear daughter, his darling daughter so
So quickly he gave orders that I be
Pressed and sent to sea, and sent to sea
To keep me from his daughter, my darling's company


When that I′d surveyed my seven long years at sea
So quickly I come homeward, my darling dear to see
But as soon as I inquired, her father
Thus to me replied, to me replied
"My daughter, she did break her heart, and for your sake she died"

Don't tell me, don't tell me, for it′s more than I can bear
For if she′s in her silent grave I wish that I were there
For then I would be free from bitter sorrow
Grief and woe, from grief and woe
I know not where to wander, nor which way I may go

It was down in New Bedlam this young man was confined
For in weeping for his own true love it so distract his mind
In rattling of his chains all on his
Bed of straw he lies, on straw he lies
Lamenting for his own true love until the day he dies