The Unfortunate Miss Baily — текст песни (Kingston Trio)

Lou Gottlieb

In seventeen forty-two, it was customary in the township of Halifax, for a gentleman to partake occasionally of ratafia which was--a light-flavored liquer of amazing potency--which originated in Middlesex and which we suppose is the reason for this song.

Chorus:
Oh, Miss Bailey! Unfortunate, Miss Bailey!

A captain bold in Halifax, who dwelt in country quarters, seduced a maid who hung herself one Monday in her garters.
His wicked conscience smitted him. He lost his stomach daily. He took to drinking ratafia and tho`t upon Miss Bailey.

(Chorus)

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 a twelve o`clock began to burn quite palely. A ghost stepped up to his bedside and said, "Behold, Miss Bailey!"

(Chorus)

"Avast, Miss Bailey," then he cried, "you can`t affright me, really." "Dear Captain Smith," the ghost replied, "you used me ungenteelly.
The coroner`s quest goes hard with me because I`ve acted freely and Parson Biggs won`t bury me tho` I`m a dead Miss Bailey."

(Chorus)

"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.
`Twill bribe the sexton for your grave." The ghost then answered gaily, "Bless you, wicked Captain Smith, remember poor Miss Bailey!"

(Chorus)

"All`s well that ends well, I suppose."