Old Songs 223
If they had a-won and I had lost
I should had to pull out an empty puss,
Sing bug o’ the Dutch.
Li fal de ding day,
The story here told is fragmentary, and there were undoubtedly more verses in the original poem.
the courtin’
On Thanksgivin’ Day, I've heard them say,
I mounted on my dapple gray,
And away I rode to Stanton Green,
To court one farmer's daughter Jane.
Rarefala, rarefala,
Whack for la for larry for la.
When I arrived unto the hall,
Aloud for my true love I did call;
And I trust the servant led me in
That I my courtship might begin.
Rarefala, rarefala,
Whack for la for larry for la.
“My mammy sent me here to woo,
And I can fancy none but you.
If you'll consent and marry me now,
I’ll treat you as well as I know how.”
