Ballad of Reading Gaol by Oscar Wilde
page 96 of 220 (43%)
page 96 of 220 (43%)
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'T is the King of England from over sea, Who has come unto visit our fair countrie. But why does the curfew toll sae low? And why do the mourners walk a-row? O 't is Hugh of Amiens my sister's son Who is lying stark, for his day is done. Nay, nay, for I see white lilies clear, It is no strong man who lies on the bier. O 't is old Dame Jeannette that kept the hall, I knew she would die at the autumn fall. Dame Jeannette had not that gold-brown hair, Old Jeannette was not a maiden fair. O 't is none of our kith and none of our kin, (Her soul may our Lady assoil from sin!) But I hear the boy's voice chaunting sweet, 'Elle est morte, la Marguerite.' Come in, my son, and lie on the bed, And let the dead folk bury their dead. O mother, you know I loved her true: O mother, hath one grave room for two? |
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