the branches they shall die -- Joseph Taylor, April 1905

Speranza 1905 it was on the fifth of August-er the weather fine and fair unto Brigg Fair I did repair for love I was inclined. I rose up with the lark in the morning with my heart so full of glee, of thinking there to meet my dear long time I'd wished to see. I took hold of her lily-white hand o and merrily was her heart: “and now we're met together, I hope we ne'er shall part” for it's meeting is a pleasure, and parting is a grief, but an unconstant lover is worse than any thief. the green leaves they shall wither and the branches they shall die if ever I prove false to her to the girl that loves me. Recorded in April 1905 from Joseph Taylor shortly after a music festival in Brigg, North Lincolnshire. Arr. Grainger.