This supernatural ballad, Child #272, illustrates love that is stronger than death and admonishes (rich) parents to allow their children to choose their own mates. The examples in Francis Jame Child's collection trace to to Scotland, Ireland, and England, and the ballad is found also in every major ballad region in the US. This version is from Virgina. In a related tale widespread in Europe, the ghost returns with the intention of taking his sweetheart to the grave.