Sheepcrook and Black Dog

Fay Hield sings Sheepcrook and Black Dog
Oh spread the green branches over while I am young,
So well did I like my love, so sweetly she sang.
Was ever a man in such happy a state
As me with my Flora, my Flora so brave?

I went to my Flora and this I did say,
"Tomorrow we'll be married, love, it wants but one day."
"One day," said fair Flora, "that day is to come,
I'll not marry so early, my age is too young.

"I'll go for a service and a service I'll get,
And perhaps in a few years might substance and reap."
"Don't go for a service, leaving me here behind."
"Oh yes, my lovely shepherd, I'll return by and by."

She got her a service and to service she went
To wait on a lady which was her intent;
To wait on a lady and a rich lady gay
Who clothed fair Flora, my Flora so brave.

A little while after and a letter he sent
With three or four short lines to gain her intent.
She wrote that she lived such a contented life,
That she never would intend to be a young shepherd's wife.

These words she had written, they appeared like a dart.
I must draw all my courage and show a brave heart.
Oh being that, she will never write unto me any more,
Her answer so convinced me quite over and o'er.
My ewes and my lambs, I will bid them adieu,
My bottle and budget I'll leave here with you;
My sheepcrook and my black dog I will leave here behind,
Since Flora, fair Flora, so changed her mind.