I have a tale, a tale to be told
Of a stormy night, and a woman who froze
When she was left in the snow to die
Outside a tavern in old Winchester town
–
For mile I walked across frozen stone,
Forgotten by my God, I walked alone
To the Hyde Tavern, where fat men did dine
On Christ-mas night, they drank blood wine.
“Oh spare me some bread? My hunger it burns.
And if not that, let me sleep by your hearth?”
I’ve walked many miles, but Death he draws near.
In God’s name I beg you please hear my cry!
I beseech you – I will do whatever it is you would have me do.
Oh Lord, hear my cry – if you lock me out now, you leave me to die.
To die, to die.
But at my cries, the patrons did say
“You’ll have neither or, now be on your way
For we know what you are – the devil in your eyes
You’re a witch, a whore, and thus God decides
That you are unfit, without coin or purse
To be freed from his judgement, this icy curse.”
And then they locked me outside, and bolted the door.
And were deaf to my cries, as I begged
Oh Lord, I beseech you – I will do whatever it is you would have me do.
Oh Lord, hear my cry – if you lock me out now, you leave me to die.
To die, to die.
You call me a witch, then here have your way!
If I am to die, let my spirit remain.
I’ll haunt you fat men, feasting and warm
I’ll pray on your souls, till you’re cold to the bone
I’ll creep into your beds, and freeze you by night
I’ll deprive you of blankets, on sheets of ice
And when the cold creeps in, and the fire will not take.
Remember I am there, as you lie awake
I beseeched you – I would do whatever it is you would have me do.
Oh Lord, now remember my cry – when you locked me outside, you left me to die.
And I died. I died.
–
I have a tale, a tale to be told
Of a stormy night, and a woman who froze
When she was left in the snow to die
Outside a tavern in old Winchester town
By Madeleine Vaughan
Splendid Fred Magazine 