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FULLER AND WARREN Sung by: R.B. Stark Recorded in Miller, AR, 6/25/53 Click here to listen to the original recording You sons of Columbus, attention I crave, While this sorrowful ditty I'll tell, Which has happened of late in the Indiana state, Whom none but a hero can excel. Like Samson, he courted the choice of the fair, Intending to make her his bride; But, like Delilah fair, his heart she did ensnare, And robbed him of honor and love. A golden ring he gave her in token of his love; On the posy was the image of a dove. They assentingly agreed to marry with speed; Oh, they promised by the powers above. But the fickle-minded maiden again avowed to wed One young Warren, lover in that place; But 'twas the fatal blow, causing his overthrow, And proved to her shame and disgrace. Now when Fuller came to know he was deprived of his dear, Whom he'd vowed by the powers to wed, Unto Warren he did go with his heart full of woe, And thus unto Warren he said: "Now, Warren, you have wronged me to gratify your cause By reporting I left a beauteous wife. Oh, Warren, acknowledge before I break the law, Or, Warren, I'll deprive you of your life." Now Warren replied, "Your wish must be denied, Since my heart to your darling it is bound. And further, I must say, this is my wedding day In spite of the hero of her town." Then Fuller, in a passion of honor and love, Which also caused many to cry, With one fatal shot he killed Warren on the spot, Saying, "Lord, I am willing to die." When Fuller was condemned by the honorable court of Lawrenceburg, And sentenced to die the ignominious death, To swing above the earth before the gazing crowd And hang on the gallows so high. The time at length arrived when Fuller was to die; With a smile he bid the audience adieu. Like an angel he did stand, for he was a handsome man; On his breast he wore a ribbon of blue. Come, all that have wives that are proved and true; We crown them with honor and love. For my great opinion is they are very hard to find. They are blessings from the powers above. For marriage is a lottery and few that gains the prize That's pleasing to the heart and the eye. And those that never marry may well be called wise, So ladies and gentlemen, goodbye. Also found in Randolph, Vol. II, #143; Belden, p. 302. |
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All Songs Recorded by John Quincy Wolf, Jr., unless otherwise noted The John Quincy Wolf Folklore Collection Lyon College, Batesville, Arkansas Back to the Song Index Back to the Wolf Collection Homepage ©Copyright 2002 Lyon College |