Lord Gregory’s Curse

Lord Gregory’s Curse

Lord Gregory’s life was set in song, As was dear Annie’s whom he wronged; Unnamed his child, that was not strong, Killed by his mother — woebegone.

She left them standing in the cold, The snow concealed those locks of gold No cry the child’s chill heart could give; Now both are dead, who could not live.

Chorus — Lord Gregory if you had been strong, Lord Gregory if your love was true, That maid, your child, might have been saved Not driven to a watery grave.

‘Twas once by bonny Irwine-side Their youthful love was not denied His silver ring, her ring of tin — The maid they would not let within.

‘Twas his cold mother, vile and vane Who sent the maid away again And did not call him from his sleep His wife to house, his child to keep.

Chorus — Lord Gregory for all time you’re damned, For if that sash had not been slammed By your cruel mother, against your kin, The two she would not let within.

He shall not touch that yellow hair, Her lips he thought beyond compare, That once fell full about his own That trembled then with sigh and moan.

And now he’s lying all alone Beneath the heavy, lettered stone; His name dragged through the mire and mud A curse upon his noble blood.

Chorus — Lord Gregory by a song you’re cursed. And lost your love, your child and worse Your name, forever cast in dread — And pity for the maid who fled. — © Frank Callery, August, 2017.