School: Ardlow

On this page

1. The Workhouse Inmate's Wail (continued)

   

   Share Share Post

   (continued from previous page)

   Alas! alas! where all I hold so dear
   And kept in awe and anguish and in fear;
   No more ar eve to gladden or rejoice
   No more ar eve to hear my children's voice
   Except their cries when lashed without a fault;
   Oh! sad reflection melancholy thought.
   Affection here assertion dare not claim;
   A trembling mother a parent dare not name,
   A hapless mother dare not wash the tear
   From that bright eye her heart and mind loved dear
   Oh, no, some master surly and severe
   Presents their freedom, and augments their care
   He separates them and they must away
   They hear his threats and trembling they obey.
   Without remorse his galling whip he wields
   Oppression triumphs and compassion yields
   And as they go the mother's woes increase
   Regret and fear appear in her pale face.
   She moves, she stops and often looks behind
   Afflicting thoughts absorb her troubled mind.
   Her tender child reviled before her eyes
   She sees his tears and hears his feeble cries.
   To her in vain for aid his little hands
   Are stretched and raised but now the porter stands
   Who interposes and shuts close the door

   (continues on next page)

   

   Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.

   History Edit

   Language

   English

   Collector

   John Fitzsimmons

   Gender

   Male

   Address

   Ardlow, Co. an Chabháin