The Execution of Tim Kelly
Ye muses nine with me combine to air my wandering quill
Your help extend and be a friend to my defective skill
Make doleful words resemble birds that fly from shore to shore;
On the gallows high this youth did die, Tim Kelly is no more.
In the early noon on the ninth of June, in the year of '83
In his youth and doom he met his doom on the shameful gallows tree,
Delaney and Carey full hard against him swore,
On the gallows high this youth did die, Tim Kelly is no more.
For these dreadful crimes he was tried three times when twice they disagreed,
But at the third he spoke these words, "Of this murder I am free,
Of Mr. Burkes"; but grief did lurk beneath this young man's core;
On the gallows high this youth did die, Tim Kelly is no more.
His mother tried to save her child, but sure no one will her blame
For to defend a costly friend, we all would do the same,
She pressed his hand where he did stand, while her heart was both sad and sore;
On the gallows high this youth did die, Tim Kelly is no more.
With his just rod may Heaven's God James Carey soon chastise
And grant this boy eternal joy in the realms beyond the skies,
For his youth's sake compassion take we ask you o'er and o'er;
On the gallows high this youth did die, Tim Kelly is no more.