Traditional song about a rich, pretty maiden whose parents didn't approve of her beloved as he was of lower status so they pressed him into service at sea on the ship, The Nightingale. There is a terrible storm and the ship wrecks and her beloved drowns. [Roud 1093; Laws M37; G/D 1:18; Henry H75a; Ballad Index LM37; VWML HAM/3/13/5; Bodleian Roud 1093; trad.] [Verse One] Both old and young, I pray lend an ear To a lovesick maiden in deep despair Whose heart was light, but whose courage failed When her true love sailed in the Nightingale.