The Battle of Boyn Water/William & Margaret's Ghost
For other versions of this work, see William and Margaret.
William and Margaret's Ghost
When all was wrapt in dark midnight,and all was wrapt in sleep;In glided Mararet's gristly Ghost,and stood at William's feet.
Her face was like the April morn,clad in a wintry cloud;And clay cold was her lilly hand,that held her sable shroud.
So shall the fairest face appear,when youth and years are flown;Such is the robe that Kings must wear,when death has reft the crown.
Her blood was like the springing flow'r,that sips the silver dew.The rose was budded in her cheek,and op'ning to the view.
But love had like canker worm,consum'd her early prime:The rose grew pale and her cheek,she died before her prime.
Awake, she cry'd, thy true love calls,come from her midnight grave:Now let thy pity bear the maid,thy love refus'd to save.
This is the dark and fearful hour,when injur'd ghosts complain,Now dreary graves give up their dead,to haunt the faithless swain.
Bethink the William, of thy fault,they pledge and broken oath,And give me back my maiden vow,and give me back my troth,
How could you say my face was fair,and yet that face forsake?How could you win my virgin heart,yet leave that heart to break?
How could you promise love to me,and not that promise keep?Why did you swear my eyes were bright,yet leave those eyes to weep?
How could you say my lips were red,and made the scarlet pale?And why did I, young witless maid,believe your flattering tale?
That face, alas! no more is fair,these lips no longer red,Dark are mine eyes, now clos'd in death,and every charm is fled.
The hungry worm my sister is,this winding sheet I wear;And cold and weary lasts the night,till that last morn appear.
But hark! the cock has warn'd me hence,a last and long adieu;Come see false man, how low she lies,that died for love of you.
Now birds did sing, and morning smil'd,and shew'd her glist'ring head;Pale William shook in ev'ry limb,then raving left his bed.
He hy'd him to the fatal place,where Margaret's body lay,And stretch'd him on the green grass turf,that wrapt her breathless clay.
And thrice he call'd on Marg'ret'a name,and thrice he wept full sore,Then laid his cheek on the cold earth,and words spoke never mair.