Her Servant Man
Collected by Bob Copper from a book left by John Johnson (right), 1865-1943, in Fittleworth, Sussex in about 1954: see Chapter Nine, pp. 83-9, of Songs and Southern Breezes for the details; and the appendix for these words. The photo of John Johnson at his garden date is credited to George Garland of Petworth (West Sussex). Click on the photo for a much larger one (also by George Garland, and which might have been taken around 1940) of John Johnson and his wife on their golden wedding anniversary.
It's of a young damsel both fair and handsome
These lines are true as I've been told,
On the banks of Shannon in a lofty mountain
Her parents claimed great stores of gold.
Her hair was black as a raven's feather
Her form and features dissemble who can,
There was a young fellow who worked on the station
She fell in love with that servant man.As Mary Ann and her love was walking,
Her father overheard them and nearer drew,
As these two lovers were truly talking
In anger home her father flew.
To build a dungeon was his intention
To part true lovers contrive a plan,
He swore an oath and vow to mention
He would part this fair one from her servant man.He built a dungeon of bricks and mortar
With a flight of steps, it was underground,
The food he gave her was bread and water
The only chair for her was found.
Three times a day he cruelly beat her
Until to her father she crying began,
Saying, If I have transgressed, my own dear father,
I'll lay and die for my servant man.Young Edwin found her habitation
It was well secured by an iron door,
He vowed in spite of all the nation
He'd gain her freedom or rest no more.
It's after leisure he told with pleasure
How he gained releasement for Mary Ann,
He gained his object, he found his treasure,
She cried, My faithful young servant man.As soon as he found that his daughter vanished
Then like a lion he did roar.
He says, From Ireland you shall be banished
With my broadsword I will spill your gore.
I grieve, said Edwin, it's at your leisure,
Since I have freed her do all you can.
Forgive your daughter, I'll die with pleasure
The one in fault was your servant man.Soon as he found him so tender-hearted
Then down he fell on the dungeon floor
Saying true lovers shall never be parted
Since love can enter an iron door.
So they were joined to be parted never
To roll in riches this young couple can,
And now young Mary Ann rules with pleasure
To live for ever with her servant man.
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