Just as the dawn was stealing round,

I crept towards her o’er the ground.

Out i’ the straw she raised her head,

“Daughter, a priest!” was all she said,

Then lay again as she were dead.

Sound, sound asleep lay half a score,

I crept betwixt them, crossed the floor,

And shortly gained the outer door.

No snood, no shoe I stayed to snatch;

The lintel all but touched the thatch