6
I must not blame him because be is constant,
True love I know is far better than gold.
A costly jewel she instantly gave him,
Then in her trembling hand took a knife,
One fatal stroke before they could save her,
Quickly did put an end to her life.
Great lamentation was made for this lady—
Jemmy on board the ship he did steer;
And then to England he homeward came sailing
With a longing desire to meet with his dear.
But when her father found he was returning,
A letter he wrote to the boatswain his friend,
Saying a handsome reward I will give you,
If you the life of young Jemmy will end.
Void of all grace and for sake of the money,
The cruel boatswain the same did complete,
As they on the deck were lovingly walking,
He suddenly tumbled him into the deep.
In dead of the night when all were asleep,
His troubled ghost to his love did appear,
Crying, Arise you beautiful Nancy,
Perform the vow you made to your dear.
She cried, Who is there under my window?
Surely it is the voice of my dear:
Lifting her head off her downy pillow,
Straight to the casement she then did repair.
By light of the moon which brightly was shining,
She espied her lover who to her did say,
Your parents are sleeping, before they awaken,
Stir my dear creature and straight come away.
