SPRINGFIELD MOUNTAIN (I)
(learned in the late 1960s;
In Springfield Mountain there did dwell
One early morn this lad did go
Soon as he felt that deadly wound
The neighbors near his voice did hear,
His careworn father as he went
In seventeen hundred and sixty-one
(from miriam berg's folksong collection)
A lovely youth I knew full well
Lieutenant Myrick's only son,
A likely lad of twenty-one.
Down to the meadow for to mow
He scarce had mowed twice round the field
When a poison serpent bit his heel.
He threw his scythe upon the ground
Straightway for home was his intent
And crying loudly as he went.
But none to him did then appear
Thinking for workmen he did call,
And so alone this lad did fall.
Seeking his son was his intent
And soon his only son he found
Cold as a stone upon the ground.
This fearful accident was done
Let it be warning unto all
To be prepared when God doth call.