Ed de Moel

Child Ballads - Lyrics

Child 2
The Elfin Knight
Version L

Notes and Queries, 1st S., vii, 8. Signed D.

Narrative

1   My father gave me an acre of land,
      Sing ivy, sing ivy
My father gave me an acre of land.
      Sing green bush, holly and ivy
2   I ploughd it with a ram's horn.
      Sing ivy, sing ivy
I ploughd it with a ram's horn.
      Sing green bush, holly and ivy
3   I harrowd it with a bramble.
      Sing ivy, sing ivy
I harrowd it with a bramble.
      Sing green bush, holly and ivy
4   I sowd it with a pepper corn.
      Sing ivy, sing ivy
I sowd it with a pepper corn.
      Sing green bush, holly and ivy
5   I reapd it with my penknife.
      Sing ivy, sing ivy
I reapd it with my penknife.
      Sing green bush, holly and ivy
6   I carried it to the mill upon the cat's back.
      Sing ivy, sing ivy
I carried it to the mill upon the cat's back.
      Sing green bush, holly and ivy
  * * *
7   I made a cake for all the king's men.
      Sing ivy, sing ivy
I made a cake for all the king's men.
      Sing green bush, holly and ivy

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