Yorkshire Dialect Poems (1673-1915) and traditional poems

The Bridal Bands

     Traditional

     From R. Blakeborough's Wit, Character, Folklore,
     and Customs of the North Riding, p. 97.

     Blushing, theer oor Peggy sits,
        Stitchin', faane stitchin',
     Love-knots roond her braadal bands,
        Witchin', bewitchin'.

     T' braade's maids all mun dea a stitch,
        Stitchin', faane stitchin',
     An' they mun binnd it roond her leg,
        Witchin', bewitchin'.

     Bud some bauf(1) swain at's soond o' puff,
        Stitchin', faane stitchin',
     Will claim his reet to tak it off,
        Witchin', bewitchin'.

     An' he aroond his awn love's leg,
        Stitchin', faane stitchin',
     Will lap(2) it roond to binnd his love,
        Witchin', bewitchin'.

     Whal she, sweet maid, 'll wear his troth,
        Stitchin', faane stitchin',
     Maanding each taame she taks it off,
        Witchin', bewitchin',

     That day when she will hae to wear,
        Stitchin', faane stitchin',
     Nut yan, bud twea, a braadal pair,
        Witchin', bewitchin'.

     Oh! happy day, when she sal stitch,
        Stitchin', faane stitchin',
     Her braadal bands, the wearin' which
        Maks maids bewitchin'.

     1 Sturdy. 2. Wrap.