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The Ballad of Redemore

Bosworth got to me more than usual this year - I wonder why! :)

Lead me to Redemore
Oh, lay me down gently
Take me there swiftly today
For I must lay flowers
And I shall weep madly
For Richard is slain this day

Bright August morning
When rode my lord to Redemore
Bright summer's morning no more
For all the great company
Lords, lovers and gentry
Is slain at Redemore this day

Say, have you seen him
My lover, my husband
Has he ridden this way?
For am I still seeking
And I am still weeping
For Richard, who's slain this day

He rode out to Redemore
In quest of sweet victory
But sold by a traitor was he
And blood-red his banner
Is stained upon Redemore
My Richard, who's slain this day

Oh where is my lover
My husband, my Richard
Where is his lily-white steed?
They lie yet on Redemore
Lie crushed, lie broken
For their blood is spilled this day

Oh how have I mourned thee
My lover, my Richard
And here at Redemore I'll stay
'Til time draws its mantle
About my own body
And here at Redemore I'll lay

Oh Richard, my Richard
My soul and my life-blood
Has died at Redemore this day
For cut down in slaughter
My lover, my husband
My Richard is slain this day

My heart beat for Richard
And he is no more
For ever mourns my heart
Now never more shines
The sun upon Redemore
For Richard is slain this day

So bring me to Redemore
And I will go gladly
For no more of life can I bear
For I must lay flowers
And I will weep madly
For Richard is slain this day

[1st September 2009]

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