The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #114320   Message #2438264
Posted By: Suegorgeous
12-Sep-08 - 09:05 AM
Thread Name: Lyr Req: Maid of Listowel
Subject: Lyr Add: THE MAID OF LISTOWEL
Here ya go (just typed it up from the sleeve, have it in mind to have a go at singing it myself one day):

The Maid of Listowel

One morn in October for sweet recreation
I met a fair maid who was bleachin' her clothes
I stood in amazement to gaze at this fair one
I said my fair maid won't you come to Listowel
She smilingly said with the mildest behaviour
Desist and don't tease me but let me alone
My parents might blame me and you might deceive me
You seem like a schemer that's straight from Listowel.

Indeed I'm no schemer that wants to deceive you
But all my fond secrets to you I'll disclose
Swear an allegiance, to you I'd prove faithful
If I could embrace you I'd make you my own
By the high hill of Howen, by the hole in my coat
The ships that go sailing through Strand Ballymore
The fairies of Leinster, the druids and witches
I'd make you my bride if you came to Listowel

If I was so vain as to come with you rovin'
I'm certain and sure that your temper you'd show
You'd surely degrade me for my misdemeanour
If I was so vain as to come to Listowel
My fortune is small and you'd surely degrade me
You'd censure and tease me and show me the door
Walkin' about with a babe in my arms
If I was so vain as to come to Listowel

After all that I swear sure I can't be ungrateful
How can you suggest that I'm telling a lie
A judge on his throne cannot ask but an oath
For to swing of a man or transport him for life
So let's be preparin' without hesitation
We're not the first two to go off on our own
Fortune might favour the fruits of our labour
To live out our ease in the town of Listowel.

If you swore as much more I should not be deluded
I highly suspect that you're married before
Many's the man who would think it no scruple
To defile a young maid or despisin' his own
I'll take my own time and I'll ne'er go a 'rovin'
My heart it is young and I ne'er will give o'er
My father will sanction my lawful contraction
I care to live single a year or two more.

Here's full fifty pounds I have got in my pocket
That I earned last week of my own
For corn I sent down to sweet Ballylangford (Ballylongford?)
And more I have ready to send to the stores
If I had the wealth of King Saul or King David
The riches of Damon (Timon?) on you I'd bestow
To rifle your charms without much alarm
And dangle your babe in the town of Listowel.

If you want to gain me you'll make me your consort
You'll come to the priest and he'll marry us both
Parents on both sides shall give us some money
To open a shop in the town of Listowel.