Poem by Samuel Lover

Widow Machree

Widow Machree, it's no wonder you frown,
Och hone! Widow Machree,
Faith, it ruins your looks, that same dirty black gown,
Och hone! Widow Machree.
How altered your air
With that close cap you wear,
'Tis destroying your hair
That should be flowing free;
Be no longer a churl
Of its black silken curl,
Och hone! Widow Machree.

Widow Machree, now the summer is come,
Och hone! Widow Machree,
When everything smiles, should a beauty look glum?
Och hone! Widow Machree.
See, the birds go in pairs,
And the rabbits and hares —
Why, even the bears
Now in couples agree—
And the mute little fish,
Though they can't spake, they wish—
Och hone! Widow Machree.

Widow Machree, and when winter comes in,
Och hone! Widow Machree,
To be poking the fire all alone is a sin,
Och hone! Widow Machree.
Sure the shovel and tongs
To each other belongs,
While the kettle sings songs
Full of family glee!
Yet alone with your cup,
Like a hermit you sup,
Och hone! Widow Machree.

And how do you know, with the comforts I've towld,
Och hone! Widow Machree,
But you're keeping some poor fellow out in the cowld?
Och hone! Widow Machree.
With such sins on your head
Sure your peace would be fled,
Could you sleep in your bed
Without thinking to see
Some ghost or some sprite
That would wake you at night,
Crying, 'Och hone ! Widow Machree!'

Then take my advice, darling Widow Machree,
Och hone! Widow Machree,
And, with my advice, faith, I wish you'd take me,
Och hone! Widow Machree.
You'd have me to desire
Then to stir up the fire;
And sure Hope is no liar
In whisp'ring to me
That the ghosts would depart
When you'd me near your heart,
Och hone ! Widow Machree!

1. The Two Barrels
2. True Love Can Never Forget
3. Rory O'More
4. The Forsaken
5. Old Westminster Hall

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