The Millman Song

1. You tender hearted Christians, I pray you lend an
ear To a sad and mournful story you air about to
hear. 'Twas of a lovelye country girl, young, innocent and
fair. Content and free she seemed to be, without one thought or care.

2 Just blooming into womanhood, that pure and holye state,
And God ordained should be sustained in purity complete;
But alas, how often do we find, as down life's streams we glide,
Some gentle maid that's been betrayed away from virtue's side.

3 This was the sin that turned the tide of Mary Cuplon's life,
And truthfully she was to be a mother, not a wife.
And him that she had trusted to protect her through the strife,
To hide his shame and save his name took this poor creature's life.

4 As evening shadows gentlye fell o'er streamlets and o'er hill,
Young Mary went with purpose bent a meeting to fulfil.
Young Millman on that evening was waiting for her near,
With a murderous heart to do his part and end this girl's career.

5 They talked a while on matters; 'twas formless to their view.
This trusting maid seemed not afraid to walk some distance, too,
Until they came to a lonely spot well suited to the deed.
His murderous heart then did act its part; his victim there did bleed.

6 He clasped her then within his arms and haste unto [hastened to?] the shore,
And soon afloat within a boat prepared by him before,
A rope he tied around her waist, and after tied a stone.
One gentle splash, and like a flash the murderer was alone.

7 Alone? Oh, no. All-seeing eyes was watching from on high,
And God is just; the murderer must from His great venegeance fly.
The brand of Cain upon his brow, no rest again he'll find
Until upon the gallows high he'll expiate his crime.

8 Now, the river's searched, the body found; now, Millman, hold your own,
For the best-laid plans of mice and men are oft-times overthrown.
The very means that you've employed to ward suspicion off,
And her sad end will surely tend to cut your young life short.

9 The rope, the rock, the pistol shot, the meeting at the gate,
Will help to hang the guilty man and end this sad estate.
Now, an inquest and a verdict next in quick succession came,
And to this awful tragedy they coupled Millman's name.

10 Now, when the judge he read the sentence, a tear bedimmed his eye.
“On the twenty-second day of June, young Millman, you must die.”

11 Now, parents, here a warning take: no matter what in rue [ensue?],
You know you must discard [discharge?] the trust that God hath given you,
Ontil upon that rising day you're called before the throne
To answer for your children's sins as well as for your own.
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