I
A captain bold in Halifax, that dwelt in country quarters,
Seduced a maid who hanged herself one morning in her garters:
His wicked conscience smited him: he lost his stomach daily;
He took to drinking ratafia, and thought upon Miss Bailey.
Oh, Miss Bailey! unfortunate Miss Bailey!
II

One night betimes he went to rest, for he had caught a fever.
Says he, "I am a handsome man, but I'm a gay deceiver.'
His candle just at twelve o'clock began to burn quite palely;
A ghost stepped up to his bedside, and said, "Behold Miss Bailey!'
Oh, Miss Bailey! unfortunate Miss Bailey!
III

"Avaunt, Miss Bailey!' then he cried. "Your face looks white and mealy!'
"Dear Captain Smith,' the ghost replied, "you've used me ungenteelly.
The crowner's quest goes hard with me because I've acted frailly,
And Parson Biggs won't bury me, though I am dead Miss Bailey.'
Oh, Miss Bailey! unfortunate Miss Bailey!
IV

"Dear corpse,' says he, "since you and I accounts must once for all close,
I've got a one-pound note in my regimental small-clothes;
'Twill bribe the sexton for your grave.' The ghost then vanished gaily,
Crying, "Bless you, wicked Captain Smith! remember poor Miss Bailey.'
Oh, Miss Bailey! unfortunate Miss Bailey!