Broadside ballad entitled 'The American Stranger'

Transcription

THE

AMERICAN
STRANGER.

I am a poor stranger, from America I came.
There's no one does know me, nor can tell me
        my name;
I am. a poor stranger, I'll tarry a while,
I have rambled for my darling for many along;
        mile.

Some say I am rakish, some say I am wild.
Some say I am guilty, fair maids to beguile.
but I will make them ail liars, if you go with
        me,
and 1 will take you to America, my darling to
        be.

Give my   love   to my Polly, she's the girl
        adore,
Likewiso to my Susan, although she is poor.
Give my love to Betsy, she is my joy and heart
        delight.
And I will clasp her in my   arms   in   a cold
        winter night.

The moon shall be in darkness, the stars shall
        give no light,
If ever I prove false to my own heart's delight.
In the middle of the ocean there will grow a
        plum tree,
If ever I prove false to the girl that loves me.

She's bound for America, our ship's fit for sea,
Crying, Heavens protect us with a prosperous
        gale,
And when we are landed, we will dance and
        we will sing,
In a plentiful country, so God save the Queen.

M'Intosh, Printer,   96 King St. Calton

106

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