BALLADS. 109 



And the hag had worked the daughter up 



To murder her old mother, 

 That then she might seize on all her goods 



And wanton with her lover. 



And one night as the old woman. 



Was sick and ill in bed, 

 And pondering sorely on the life 



Her wicked daughter led. 



She heard her footstep on the floor, 



And she raised her palid head, 

 And she saw her daughter, with a knife, 

 Approaching to her bed ; 



And said, " My child, I'm very ill, 



I have not long to live ; 

 Now kiss my cheek, that ere I die 



Thy sins I may forgive." 



And the murderess bent to kiss her cheek, 

 And she lifted the sharp, bright knife, 



And the mother saw her fell intent, 

 And hard she begged for life. 



But prayers would nothing her avail, 

 And she screamed loud with fear ; 



But the house was lone, and the piercing screams 

 Could reach no human ear. 



And though that she was sick, and old, 

 She struggled hard, and fought ; 



The murderess cut three fingers through 

 Ere she could reach her throat. 



And the hag she held the fingers uj), 



The skin was mangled sore, 

 And they all agreed a nobler deed 



Was never done before. 



