School: Lisnagirl (1)

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1. Local Songs - The Western Railway (continued)

   

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   IV
   I called down the waiting maid at twelve o'clock that night,
   I told her to unlock the doors, and see if all were right,
   A hatchet I had in my hand, now mark the words I say,
   For I meant to kill the Ganger in the Western Railway.
   V
   She modestly made answer, and she didst say to me,
   Where are you going so early, for I think it's not near day.
   Or what's that you have in your hand, I fear you're going astray,
   Or are you going to labour on the Western Railway.
   VI
   I boldly made her answer, 'twas but a foolish trick,
   I going to the wood, for a handle for this pick.
   And soon I will return home, without the least delay,
   For I meant to kill the Ganger on the Western Railway.
   VII
   He was a walking Ganger at night to mind our tools,
   I observed in the distance by the shining of the moon.
   Good morning to you neighbour politely I did say,
   when his skull I broke in pieces on the Western Railway.
   VIII
   I quickly did return home, and speedily I did fly,
   Till six o'clock next morning with my comrades I did lie.
   Five hundred pounds was the reward, and yet no one could say,
   or prove who killed the Ganger on the Western Railway.

   (continues on next page)

   

   Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.

   History Edit

   Topics

   1. genre
      1. poetry
         1. folk poetry (~9,504)

   Language

   English

   Collector

   H. Kinkade

   Gender

   Female

   Occupation

   Teacher

   Informant

   Miss Reilly

   Gender

   Female

   Age

   57

   Occupation

   Farmer

   Address

   Lismagiril, Co. Cavan