Death and the Lady

Death and the Lady is a very, very old song - one generally known only to bards and to the more cloistered variety of priest. It is written originally to be sung without accompaniment, and thus is vocally complex - never meant for a tavern, the song echoes more of a religious choir or a funereal occasion. While there are several variations - most many verses longer, and detailing the woes of the lady at her imminent death and all the ways she tries to wriggle out of it - this is the version most likely to be heard outside a monastery's walls.

Arrangement: Vocal, but variations with liltrum or trill accompaniment are known. Range: Tenor Attribution: John Fleagle for this specific version. Notes: This song is included for reference, as the opening bars are used on the personal seal of Taran Songbird Lyrics:

A maid walked out one day, one day She met an aged man by the way His head was bald, his beard was gray His clothing made of cold earth and clay His clothing made of the cold earth and clay

She said, "Old man, what man are you? What country do you belong unto?" "My name is Death, hast heard of me? All kings and princes bow down unto me And you, fair maid, must come along with me."

"I'll give you gold, I'll give you pearls I'll give you costly rich robes to wear If you will spare me a little while And give me time my life to amend And give me time my life to amend."

"I'll have no gold, I'll have no pearls I want no costly rich robes to wear I cannot spare you a little while Nor give you time your life to amend Nor give you time your life to amend."

In six months' time this fair maid died "Let this be put on my tombstone," she cried "Here lies a poor distressed maid All in her prime she was snatched away Her clothing made of the cold earth and clay."