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4 When midnight came with dreary toll, 
The gallant John gave up his soul. 
The servants all began to weep, 
The neighbours wakened from their sleep. 
5 “0 mother dear, now tell me why 
The servants all so loudly cry? 
“All for a platter which they lost, 
A platter that much gold has cost.’ 
6 “For golden plates tears are not shed; 
Tell them to dry their tears instead. 
When my dear John comes from afar. 
Our golden plate he shall restore.” 
7 “0 mother dear, now tell me why 
The hostlers all so sadly sigh?” 
“Their horses by the lake they groomed 
When suddenly a mare was drowned.” 
8 “All for a mare that drowned so deep, 
0 mother, must the hostlers weep? 
When my dear John comes from afar, 
He shall bring them a goodly mare.” 
Spoken 9 0 when the dawn had risen clear. 
They drove the nails into the bier. 
Singing 10 “Now mother dear, O tell me, pray, 
Why do they drive in nails to-day?” 
“Because you bore a little heir. 
Tapestries clothe these walls so bare.” 
1 ! When Sunday came, they ready made 
To join the joyful church parade. 
She donned a robe of crimson red, 
But they gave her black garb instead. 
