LXXVII. LITTLE ST. WILLIAM
Easter day was a holiday
Of all the days in the year;
And all the little schoolfellows went to play,
But St. William was not there.
Mammy she went to the Jew-wife's house,
And loud she knocked at the ring.
Saying, Little St. William, if you be here,
Pray open, and let mother in.
The Jew's wife opened the door and said,
He has not been here to-day.
He is off with his schoolfellows on the green,
A-playing at some pretty play.
Mam my she went to Lyn water
The water was wide and deep,
Saying, Little St. William, if you be there,
O pity! your mammy does weep.
O how can I pity you, mother dear,
And I have so long been in pain?
For the little penknife sticks close in my heart,
For the Jew's wife she has me slain.
Go home, go home, my own mammy dear,
And weave me a winding-sheet;
