'Twas on the first of April When I arrived in town,

voiceCollected by Max Hunter (H-9) For Mary C. Parler Transcribed by Frances Majors Sung by Fred Smith Bentonville, Arkansas June 22, 1958 Reel 251-52, Item 8 Watercresses 'Twas on the first of April When I arrived in town, And being quite a stranger, I wandered up and down Till I lost myself entirely, I cannot tell you where; 'Twas on a very quiet street In a corner of the square, When a neatly dressed young lady Come walking down that way And as long as I can remember I shall ne'er forget that day, For she promised for to marry me, 'Twas on the first of May, And she left me with a bunch of watercresses. I walked with her, I talked with her, Something sweet I had to say; I want to go to Connersville, Can you direct the way? Oh, yes, sir, Oh, yes, sir, She speedily replied, Just take a turn unto the left, Go down the other side. And the voice it was the sweetest That ever I did hear; Her hands were like lilies, So very white and clear. She had a quart of early onions, A half a pint of beer, Some pickles and a bunch of watercresses. I walked with her, I talked with her, I laughed at her, I walked by her side; Says I, My pretty fair maid, How'd you like to be a bride? I've a farm of forty acres, Of horses, cows and geese, And besides, I have a dairy Filled with butter, eggs and cheese. And if you will only go with me And mistress be of all, We'll love and live among the watercresses. Watercresses (Cont'd) Reel 251-52, Item 8 (Cont'd) A wedding dress I'll have to have And some small bill to pay, So I handed her a sovereign, Her expenses to defray. And she promised for to marry me, 'Twas on the first of May, And she left me with a bunch of watercresses. One day a letter I received, I read it with surprise, Kind sire, to disappoint you, I must apologize; For I have a husband of my own, His name is Willie Tray, And when I can afford it, That sovereigh I will pay. But to think that I would marry you Upon the first of May, You must think that I'm as green as watercresses.Funding for digitization provided by the Arkansas Humanities Council and the Happy Hollow Foundation