Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, UNFORTUNATE MISS BAILEY, by ANONYMOUS


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

UNFORTUNATE MISS BAILEY, by                    
First Line: A captain bold from halifax who dwelt in country quarters
Last Line: Remember poor miss bailey
Subject(s): Ghosts;guilt;supernatural


A CAPTAIN bold from Halifax who dwelt in country quarters,
Betrayed a maid who hanged herself one morning in her Garters.
His wicked conscience smited him, he lost his Stomach daily,
And took to drinking Ratafia while thinking of Miss Bailey.

One night betimes he went to bed, 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!"

"Avaunt, Miss Bailey!" then he cries, "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."

"Dear Corpse!" said he, "since you and I accounts must once for all close,
There really is a one pound note in my regimental Small-clothes;
I'll bribe the sexton for your grave." The ghost then vanished gaily
Crying "Bless you, Wicked Captain Smith, Remember poor Miss Bailey."





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