The Two Murderers.

“Yes, it was I that killed her

I did it with this knife,

Her that was more to me once....

Well, just the whole of my life.

Take me away and hide me,

Or kill me afore I'm mad....

It's rummy to think of me hanging

Who was such a quiet lad.

“I met her here on the tow-path,

Same as I used in May,

There was n't no moon yet, only

The scent of the new-mown hay,

And I says — well — I thought for a moment

The happy times was near,

‘ The light that shineth in darkness

Is the light of your eyes, my dear.’

“Murder! a court full of lawyers....

And justice guaranteed....

And the judge will hang the prisoner

‘ For a cowardly cruel deed.’...

Murder!— excuse my laughing!...

It's a kind of catch in the breath....

‘ But there's words more harsh than a rope is

And looks more bitter than death.’

“Murder! My Lud, if ever

Their ledgers are balanced true

Which of the pair?... Oh! I reckon

That she killed something too.

... Is it the scent of a woman's hair

Or the scent of new-mown hay?...

Do n't stand there shaking and staring,

For God's sake take me away.”