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 Spain

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.......

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