School: Brownstown, New Ross (roll number 4477)

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1. Kathleen Ryder's Well (continued)

   

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   XXV
   Who is he, this childish prattler?
   With the broad unfearing brow,
   That beside the guilty lovers,
   Toddles in the meadow now.
   He is heir of Ballyreddy,
   Town and tower, wood and vale,
   Orpan son of De la Freyne
   Lying cold in Ballyneale.

   XXVI
   Can that seeming gentle maiden,
   Speaking tenderly the while,
   Harbour to her loving infant
   Twofold treachery and guile?
   Can it be that in her bosom,
   As upon the boy she smiled,
   She could bear a foul temptation
   For the murder of her child.

   XXVII
   Yes for now the cruel mother,
   Calls the little prattler near,
   Lures him to the grassy margin,
   Of the fountain deep and clear.
   High she holds that ruddy apple,
   And the treason works its spell.
   When his young eyes sparkles on it,
   Kathleen drops it in the well.

   (continues on next page)

   

   Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.

   History Edit

   Language

   English

   Collector

   Caitlín Ní Bholguidhir

   Gender

   Female

   Informant

   Brighid Ní Mhurcadha

   Gender

   Female

   Address

   Ballyfoile Upper, Co. Kilkenny