Death and the Lady
As I walked forth one day, one day
I met an old man by the way
His head was bald and his beard was grey
His clothing made of the cold earth and clay
His clothing made of the cold earth and clay
I said "Old man, what man are you?
What country do you belong to?"
"My name is Death, as heard of me
All kings and princes bow down unto me
All kings and princes bow down unto me
"My name is Death, can you not see
Lords, Dukes and Ladies bow down unto me
And you are one of those branches three
And you fair maid must come along with me
And you fair maid must come along with me"
"I'll give you gold and jewels so rare
I'll give you costly rich robes to wear
I'll give you the combs that hold my hair
If you will let me live but another short year
If you will let me live but another short year"
"Fair lady lay your robes aside
No longer glory in your pride
And now sweet maid make no delay
Your time has come and you must away
Your time has come and you must away"
On that same night this fair maid died
And on her tombstone these words enscribed
"Here lies a poor distress-ed maid
By Death so cruelly she was betrayed
By Death so cruelly she was betrayed"