William Grismond

O come you wilful young men and hear what I shall tell,
My name is William Grismond, at Lainterdine did dwell,
O there I did a murder as it is known full well,

Chorus:
 And for my offence I shall die, I shall die,
 And for my offence I shall do.


There was a neighbour's daughter that lived me hard by;
Whom I had promised marriage and with her I did lie
I did dissemble with her, my lust to satisfy,

Chorus:
 And for my offence I shall die, I shall die,
 And for my offence I shall do.


I had my pleasure on her, I had my lewd desire,
The using of her body was that I did require,
I was o'ercome and snared by him that is a liar

Chorus:
 And for my offence I shall die, I shall die,
 And for my offence I shall do.


She claimed of me marriage and said she was with child,
Saying, Marry me sweet William, now you have me defiled,
If you do now forsake me, I utterly am spoiled,

Chorus:
 And for my offence I shall die, I shall die,
 And for my offence I shall do.


In flattering sort I brought her into the field of broom,
And when we both together into the field were come
I had my pleasure with her, and then I was her doom,

Chorus:
 And for my offence I shall die, I shall die,
 And for my offence I shall do.


Then in the broom I killed her with my accursed knife,
There hatefully I killed her, who loved me as her life,
I cut her throat, I killed her who should have been my wife,

Chorus:
 And for my offence I shall die, I shall die,
 And for my offence I shall do.