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action, consequently, was largely in tenns of protection and revenge.' Kenneth Peacock
observes "a series of ballads dealing with the ex.posure of a murderer 011 board ship by
supernatural means" in his extensive collection.2 In the five song types he published,
the ghost stands as partner of a central love relationship and takes vengeance for the
infidelity, desertion and murder of the other partner. 3 Apart from (Wo panicularly
"gothic" ghosts massacring their widows on account of their remarriage, these ghosts are
females and their vengeance befalls their tormenters at sea. In addition 10 these five
broadsides on the "ghost-avenger" model, mostly listed in Peacock's Index under "love
ghosts," are five ballads, all of which stage male "ghost-protectors."4 Of all versions
collecled on this side of the Atlantic. the most complete texts of the following song came
from ova Scolia and Newfoundland:
The Ship's Carpenter
I. In Dorseter city, in Dorseler square,
There lived a fair damsel I vow and declare.
A young man came couning her for 10 be his dear.
And he by his trade being a ship's carpenler.
2. II was early one morning oh long before day,
He came to his Polly those words he did say:
"Come arise pretty Polly-o and come along with me,
Before we gel married our friends for 10 see."
3. He led her through bushes and valleys so deep
Till at length pretty Polly began for to weep,
Saying, "Billy, oh Billy-o, you're leading me asrray,
Your purpose my innocent life to becray."
4. "It's lrue, it's true, those words you do say,
For all this long night Ive been digging your grave,
There's a grave lying open and a spade standing by,
Oh ii'S into Ihe grave that your bcxIy shall lie."
5. "Come pardon, come pardon, come pardon my life,
And 'II never for to be thy wife,
Though sail the world 'round for to set you free,
If you will but pardon my baby and me."
6. "No pardon, no pardon, there's no time to stand!"
I K. Thomas 711-18; Bennett 4.
2peacock, Songs 2: 397.
3"Alonzo the Brave and Fair Imogene," "New York Trader," "The Sea Ghost," "The Ship's
Carpenter," "Jimmy and Nancy;" all in Peacock 2: 380-410.
4"Fair Marjorie's Ghost" (Ch 74), "Jimmy Whelan," "Lady Margaret" (Ch 78), "The Suffoll
Miracle" (Ch 272) and "The Unquiel Grave" (Ch 77); all are in Peacock, Songs 2: 380-410.