1
'Where have you been today, Billy, my son?
Where have you been today, my only man?'
'I've been a wooing; mother, make my bed soon,
For I'm sick at heart, and fain would lay down.'
2
'What have you ate today, Billy, my son?
What have you ate today, my only man?'
'I've ate eel-pie; mother, make my bed soon,
For I'm sick at heart, and shall die before noon.'
H.
Taken down by me, February, 1881, from the recitation of Ellen Healy, as repeated to her by a young girl at "Lackabairn," Kerry, Ireland, about 1868.
1
'Where was you all day, my own pretty boy?
Where was you all day, my comfort and joy?'
'I was fishing and fowling; mother, make my bed soon,
There 's a pain in my heart, and I mean to lie down.'
2
'What did you have for your breakfast, my own pretty boy?
What did you have for your breakfast, my comfort and joy?'
'A cup of strong poison; mother, make my bed soon,
There 's a pain in my heart, and I mean to lie down.'
3
'I fear you are poisoned, my own pretty boy,
I fear you are poisoned, my comfort and joy!'
'O yes, I am poisoned; mother, make my bed soon,
There 's a pain in my heart, and I mean to lie down.'
4
'What will you leave to your father, my own pretty boy?
What will you leave to your father, my comfort and joy?'
'I'll leave him my house and my property; mother, make my bed soon,
There 's a pain in my heart, and I mean to lie down.'
5
'What will you leave to your mother, my own pretty boy?
What will you leave to your mother, my comfort and joy?'
'I'll leave her my coach and four horses; mother, make my bed soon,
There 's a pain in my heart, and I mean to lie down.'