The Daemon Lover  From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to:
navigation, search  "The Daemon Lover", also known as "James
Harris", "James Herries", or "The House Carpenter" (Roud 14,
Child 243) is a popular Scottish ballad. It tells the story of a
man (usually the Devil), who returns to a former lover after a
very long absence, and finds her with a husband (usually a
carpenter) and a baby. He entices her to leave both behind and
come with him, luring her with many ships laden with treasure.
Together they board one of his ships (which in many versions she
is surprised to find does not have a crew) and put to sea.  "But
if I should leave my husband dear, Likewise my little son also,
What have you to maintain me withal, If I along with you should
go?" "I have seven ships upon the seas, And one of them brought
me to land, And seventeen mariners to wait on thee, For to be
love at your command."  She soon begins to lament leaving behind
her child, but is heartened by spying a bright hill in the
distance. Her lo