Long Lankin

Said the lord unto his lady as he rode over the moss
Beware of Long Lankin that lives amongst the gorse
Beware the moss, beware the moor, beware of Long Lankin
Be sure the doors are bolted well
Lest Lankin should creep in.

Said the lord unto his lady as he rode away
Beware of Long Lankin that lives amongst the hay
Beware the moss, beware the moor, beware of Long Lankin
Be sure the doors are bolted well
Lest Lankin should creep in.

Where's the master of the house? says Long Lankin
He's way to London says the nurse to him
Where's the lady of the house? says Long Lankin
She's up in her chamber says the nurse to him
Where's the baby of the house? says Long Lankin
He's asleep in the cradle says the nurse to him

We will pinch him, we will prick him, we will stab him with a pin
And the nurse shall hold the basin for the blood all to run in
So they pinched him, then they pricked him, then they stabbed him with a pin
And the false nurse held the basin for the blood all to run in

Lady come down the stairs says Long Lankin
How can I see in the dark she says unto him
You have silver mantles says Long Lankin
Lady come down the stairs by the light of them
Down the stairs the lady came thinking no harm
Lankin he stood ready to catch her in his arms

There was blood all in the kitchen
There was blood all in the hall
There was blood all in the parlour
Where my lady she did fall

Now Long Lankin shall be hanged
From the gallows oh so high
And the false nurse shall be burned
In the fire close by