Letras de The Unfortunate Miss Bailey

In 1742, it was customary in the township of Halifax for a
Gentleman to partake occasionally of ratafia, which was...
A light, fruit-flavoured liqueur of amazing potency...
Which originated in Middlesex, and which
We suppose is the reason for this song

Poor Miss Bailey
Unfortunate Miss Bailey

A captain bold in Halifax who dwelt in country quarters
Seduced a maid who hanged herself one Monday in her garters
His wicked conscience smited him, he lost his stomach daily
He took to drinking ratafia and thought upon Miss Bailey

Poor Miss Bailey
Unfortunate Miss Bailey

One night betimes he went to bed, for he had caught the fever
Said he, "I am a handsome man, and I′m a gay deceiver"
His candle just at twelve o'clock began to burn quite paley
A ghost stepped up to his bedside and said, "Behold Miss Bailey"

Poor Miss Bailey
Unfortunate Miss Bailey

"Avaunt, Miss Bailey!" then he cried, "you can′t affright me, really."
"Dear Captain Smith," the ghost replied, "you use me ungenteelly
The coroner's quest goes hard with me because I've acted frailey
And Parson Biggs won′t bury me, though I′m a dead Miss Bailey"

Poor Miss Bailey
Unfortunate Miss Bailey

"Dear ma'am," says he, "since you and
I must once for all accounts close
I have a one-pound note in my regimental small clothes
We′ll bribe the sexton for your grave," the ghost then answered gaily
"Bless you, wicked Captain Smith, remember poor Miss Bailey"

Poor Miss Bailey
Unfortunate Miss Bailey

All's well that ends well, I suppose