Susan Graham Pepper - Pretty Saro

4. Pretty Saro
(trad. from Cas Wallin)

When I first come to this country in 1849
I saw many fair lovers but I never saw mine
I viewed all around me, saw I was quite alone
And me a poor stranger and a long ways from home

Oh it’s not this long journey, I’m a dreading for to go
Nor this country I’m leaving, nor the debts that I owe
There’s only one thing that troubles my soul
And I dream of Pretty Saro wherever I go

My true love she won’t have me, and this I understand
She wants a free holder and I have no land
But I can maintain her on silver and gold
And all of the other fine things that my love’s house could hold

Oh I wish I was a turtle dove, had wings and could fly
I would fly to my lover’s lodging, tonight I’d draw nigh
And there in her lily-white arms, I’d sit me all night
And watch through them little winders for the dawning of day

Oh I wish I was a poet and could write some fine hand
I would write my love a letter that she might understand
And I’d send it by the waters, where the islands overflow
And I dream of Pretty Saro wherever I go

Way down in some lonesome valley, way down in some lonesome grove
Where the wild birds do whistle, their notes to increase
My love she is charming, both proper and neat
And I’d think of no better pastime than to be with my sweet

I strove through the mountains I strove through the main
I strove to forget her but it all was in vain
From the banks of old Cullowhee to the Mount of sad brow
Where I once loved her dearly and I don’t hate her now