—Belfast (W. H. Patterson).
Green gravel, green gravel, the grass is so green,
The fairest young lady that ever was seen;
I’ll wash you in milk,
And I’ll clothe you with silk,
And I’ll write down your name with a gold pen and ink.
O Sally, O Sally, your true love is dead,
He sent you a letter to turn round your head.
—Berrington, Oswestry (Shropshire Folk-lore p. 510).
Around the green gravel the grass is so green,
All the pretty fair maids are plain to be seen;
Wash them in milk, and clothe them in silk,
Write their names down with a gold pen and ink.
All but Miss “Jenny,” her sweetheart is dead;
She’s left off her wedding to turn back her head.
O mother, O mother, do you think it is true?
O yes, child! O yes, child!
Then what shall I do?
We’ll wash you in milk, and dress you in silk,
And write down your name with a gold pen and ink.
—Derbyshire and Worcestershire (Mrs. Harley).
Green gravel, green gravel,
The grass is so green,
Such beautiful flowers
As never were seen.
O Annie [or any name], O Annie,
Your sweetheart is dead!
He has sent you a letter
To turn back your head.