Susan Graham Pepper - William Reilly

15. William Reilly
(trad. from Mary Jane Queen)

One morning in May I had just walked out
The lillies they were springing, the leaves had just put out
I met with my true love sir, she gently kissed me
I said my lovin Madam, won’t go away with me

My parents are not willing that I should I go with you
And neither do I know you, nor neither do you know me
My name is William Reilly that stands at your right hand
And are you not the fair lady they call they Polly Ann?

Oh rise up William Reilly and go away with me
My mind is to go with you and leave this country
Forsake my father’s dwellings, fine houses and rich lands
And away goes William Reilly and his darling Polly Ann

This lady she was taken in Cincinnago town
And Reilly was taken, bound down all to the ground
Just like some thief or robber, next morning he was found
For nothing but the stealing of his darlin Polly Ann

In come this young lady’s father and this was the tale he told
He’s robbed of my silver he’s robbed me of my gold
Likewise my silver buckle with him I have found
I’ll have the life of Reilly if it costs 10,000 pounds

In come this young lady and fell upon her knees
The blame is not in Reilly, the blame all lies in me
For Reilly did not steal them, I swear by all above
I gave them to Reilly as a token of my love

In come this young lawyer, with courage very bold
To hang a man for love it is murder don’t you know
To hang a man for love it is murder don’t you see
And away goes William Reilly for the judge had set him free

There is a ring among us, oh Reilly you must wear
With diamonds all around it and scattered with my hair
And when wear it Reilly, wear it on your right hand
So you can remember Polly when you’re in some foreign land