The Unfortunate Miss Bailey Lyrics

(Spoken)
N.C.
In seventeen forty-two, it was customary in the township of Halifax
N.C.
for a gentleman to partake occasionally of Ratafia which was a light-
N.C.
flavoured liqueur of amazing potency, which originated in Middlesex
and which we suppose is the reason for this song
horus
Oh, Miss Bailey!
Unfortunate, Miss Bailey!
A captain bold in Halifax, who dwelt in country quarters
Seduced a maid, who hanged herself, one Monday in her garters
His wicked conscience smited him, he lost his stomach daily
He took to drinking Ratafia and thought upon Miss Bailey
horus
Oh, Miss Bailey!
Unfortunate, Miss Bailey!
One night betimes he went to bed, for he had caught the fever
Said he, "I am a handsome man and I'm a gay deceiver"
His candle, just a twelve o'clock, began to burn quite palely
A ghost stepped up to his bedside and said, "Behold, Miss Bailey!"
horus
Oh, Miss Bailey!
Unfortunate, Miss Bailey!
"Avast, Miss Bailey," then he cried, "you can't affright me, really"
"Dear Captain Smith," the ghost replied, "you used me ungenteelly
The coroner's quest goes hard with me because I've acted freely
And Parson Biggs won't bury me though I'm a dead Miss Bailey"
horus
Oh, Miss Bailey!
Unfortunate, Miss Bailey!
"Dear Ma'am," says he, "since you and I must once for all accounts close
I have a one pound note in my regimental smallclothes
'Twill bribe the sexton for your grave." The ghost then answered gaily
"Bless you, wicked Captain Smith, remember poor Miss Bailey!"
horus
Oh, Miss Bailey!
Unfortunate, Miss Bailey!
"All's well that ends well, I suppose."