<P> Walter Newton Henry Harding (1883 - 1973) collected over 15,000 ballads from mostly 19th - century, with many 18th - century items . Among them is an undated transcript of Abraham Brown The Sailor, noted as being to the tune of My Heart and Lute . It is presented below as originally typeset . </P> <P> Who is it knocks at our door, Says a very nice young lady . Who is it, &c . It's I myself and nobody else, Says Abraham Brown the Sailor, Ti's I myself, &c . Oh! open the door and let him in, Says this very nice young lady, And where am I to sleep to night, Says Abraham Brown the Sailor You may sleep on my soft puncushion, Says this very nice young lady, And I've a pun, I'll run it in, Says Abraham Brown the Sailor I feel it rise between my--Says this very nice young lady, It's in your--up to the rim, Says Abraham Brown the Sailor Ah! now it's in let it remain, Says this very nice young lady, I'll be d--d if I do, I shall want it Says Abraham Brown &c. (again) When shall I have your pin again? Says this very nice young lady, When I can make it stand again, Says Abraham Brown &c . </P>

Who's that knocking at my door said the fair young maiden