After the folksong competition at Brigg (April 11, 1905), Joseph Taylor of Saxby-All-Saints sang this in private, remembering only two verses. The additional verses come from his granddaughter whose version, collected and arranged by Francis Collinson, was published in sheet music form in 1953. Mr. Taylor had learned the song from a gypsy. Grainger published a setting of it in 1911, adding two of the same extra verses which he took from another song he had collected. Delius also used the tune in his English Rhapsody, Brigg Fair. The story goes that Mr. Taylor, having been invited to a performance of this work, upon hearing his tune raised his voice and joined in.

It was on the 5th of August, the weather fair and fine,
Unto Brigg Fair I did repair; for love I was inclined.

I got up with the lark in the morning, with my heart so full of glee,
Expecting there to meet my dear; long time I wished to see.

I looked over my left shoulder to see whom I could see,
And there I spied my own true love come tripping down to me.

For it's meeting is a pleasure, love, and parting is a grief,
But an inconstant lover is worse than any thief.

For the green leaves, they shall wither, and the branches, they will die,
If ever I prove false to thee, to the girl that loves me.

It was on the 5th of August, the weather fair and fine,
Unto Brigg Fair I did repair; for love I was inclined.

© Golden Hind Music