Fanny Blair

It was last Monday morning as I lay on my bed

A young friend came to me and unto me said

Rise up Henry Higgins and flee you elsewhere

For they're bound out against you by the young Fanny Blair

Fanny Blair is a girl of eleven years old

And if I must die then the truth I'll unfold

I never had dealings with her in my time

But now I must die for another man's crime

On the day of the trial Squire Vernon was there

And on the green table they've lifted Fanny Blair

And the lies that she swore to I'm ashamed for to tell

But the judge spoke up quick, saying 'You've told it right well'

Henry Higgins of Branfield, O whither art thou flown?

It's you're a poor prisoner condemned and alone

If Jackie McNiell of Newcastle was here

In spite of old Vernon we'd soon have you clear

On the day that young Higgins was condemned for to die

The people rose up with a murmuring cry

We'll catch her and crop her, she's a perjuring little whore

Young Henry is innocent, of that we're very sure

Just one thing remains before my life do end

Don't bury me in some old prison ground so far from many a friend

Leave my body to lie in the sweet Branfiels mould

And I pray the Lord pardons that little girl's soul