The Gallows Tree

1.

My love he was as fine a fellow
As ever nature formed or the sun shone on,
And how to gain him I do not know,
For I hear his sentence is to be hung.

2.

As I was walking the streets of Derry,
His charming features I chanced to espy;
He looked more like some commanding officer
Than any young man condemned to die.

3.

When he got to the first step of the gallows,
His own father he chanced to see.
“Step up, step up, my beloved father,
I have one word to exchange with thee.

4.

“Where is my love, oh, where is my jewel,
That she don't come and visit me?
Or does she think it a shame or a scandal
To see me die on the gallows tree?”

5.

When he got to the second step of the gallows,
His own dear sister by chance he did see.
“Step up, step up, my beloved sister,
I have one word to exchange with thee.”

6.

He took a gold ring off from his finger,
And wrapped it in her silk so fine;
“Take this, take this, my beloved sister,
And keep your brother close in your mind.”

7.

And when he got to the top of the gallows
His own dear sweetheart by chance did see,
Riding in a coach that was lined with linen,
So swift she rode and swift rode she.

8.

“Come down, come down, from that dreary gallows,
I have your pardon from George our King,
And in spite of them all I'll make you my husband
And crown your name in the bloom of spring.”
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