We promised an explanation of The Long Woman’s Grave. Here it is in verse (abbreviated! Original attributed to P Fox of Hill Street). First, an explanation.
The prodigal son and heir to a princely estate in Glenmore, above Carlingford, grew weary of waiting for his inheritance and sailed to Spain to seek his fortune. He made no fortune but won the favour of a beautiful and exceptionally tall Spanish Princess. She, won over by tales of the beautiful country of Ireland and its friendly people, prevailed upon him to return and if she met with the favour of his parents, she would marry him and settle in Carlingford. He agreed.
……
‘Ah Love but say you’ll be my bride
And bid farewell to
Then happily we’ll live, my love, within our own demesne
My father’s lands are all my own
He’ll welcome thee with joy
My mother will caress thee, love
For bringing back her boy.
We’ll climb the lonely mountain top
And pluck the heather bloom
The mountain maids will bring thee home
And show thee wheel and loom:
I’ll bring thee to the highest point
When days are long and fine
And far as eye, twixt earth and sky
Can see, will all be thine.
You’ll see our dark proud heather hen
Our partridge on the wing
The timid hare before thee skip
You’ll hear our skylark sing:
I’ll bring thee round the waterfalls
I’ll boat thee round the shore
And tell thee tales of Irish Kings
And make thee love Glenmore.’
Continued…….