“The Dawning of the Day (I)”

Description

The singer meets a milk-maid at the dawn of day, seduces her despite her reluctance, and leaves her. Months later they meet again; she asks him to marry her, but he answers that he has married a rich girl. She warns against such rovers

Broadsides

• Bodleian, 2806 b.11(56), "Dawning of the Day," J. Pitts (London), 1819-1844; also Harding B 11(2026), Harding B 6(4), Harding B 25(480), Johnson Ballads fol. 412 View 1 of 2, Harding B 11(806), 2806 c.8(283), 2806 c.16(25), 2806 b.11(197), Harding B 26(119) [badly faded], Harding B 11(804), Harding B 11(803), Harding B 16(69a), Harding B 17(73a), Firth c.13(301), Harding B 11(805), Harding B 20(23), Harding B 17(72b), Harding B 16(69b), "[The] Dawning of the Day"
• LOCSinging, as102690, "Dawning of the Day," L. Deming (Boston), 19C
• NLScotland, L.C.Fol.70(148), "The Dawning of the Day," James Lindsay (Glasgow), c.1853

Recordings

• Cathie Stewart, "The Dawning of the Day" (on SCStewartsBlair01) (a fragmentary version, ending with the girl's reluctance)

References

1. Laws P16, "The Dawning of the Day"
2. Ord, p. 163, "The Dawning of the Day" (1 text)
3. Mackenzie 56, "The Dawning of the Day" (1 text, 1 tune)
4. DT 498, DAWNDAY
5. Roud #370
6. BI, LP16