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1. The Fall of Ballyhealy - A Tale of St Martin's Eve (continued)

   

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   IV
   And lo! upon the sea-shore behold a vision bright. The form of a girl young, attired in purest white. Her features were celestial and in her snow white hand. She carred what appeared to be a brightly shining wand and pointed at the phantom of a horseman on the sea, at which the doubting fishermen gazed long and earnestly. Who she was or where she came, none of the people knew;
   But this she spoke to everyone:
   "My warning words are true"

   V
   That horseman is St. Martin out riding on the waves, and if you will go fish to night you'll soon go to your graves.
   If all the Ballyhealy men don't stop at home to night.
   The blessed shine of to morrow's sun will never meet their sight.
   If you will disregard my words and disobey my warning.
   your children shall be fatherless, ere daylight in the morning.
   A few wise men drew back at once, but all the rest declared they'd go
   Out on that sea and fish that night

   (continues on next page)

   

   Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.

   History Edit

   Language

   English

   Collector

   Maire Ryan

   Gender

   Female

   Address

   Maol Rancáin, Co. Loch Garman

   Informant

   Mrs Doyle

   Gender

   Female

   Age

   76

   Address

   Baile an Droichid, Co. Loch Garman