The Banks of Dunmore
Source: The Stone Fiddle by Paddy Tunney
Location: New Edition, page 53 / 54 / 55
You maidens of high and low station
And gentlemen all of renown,
Give ear to these few words I mention.
The truth I would like to pen down.
Concerning a beautiful damsel,
The heart from my bosom she’s tore,
And she’s only a poor farmer’s daughter
Who lives on the banks of Dunmore.
The hair that hangs over her shoulders,
Like ringlets of gold on her head.
Her skin is as white as the lily,
And cheeks they bloom a rose red.
The more I gaze on that fond creature,
The longer I wished to delay,
The heart she plucked from my bosom,
And with her has stolen it away.
At length, I approached this fond female,
Saying: “My dear will you tell me your name?
If you’re of the Christian creation,
Won’t you tell me from whence, love, you came?
For I am man of great title
Of riches and great earthly store,
And tonight I will make you my equal
And live on the banks of Dunmore.”
“Kind sir, we’re not of persuasion.
The truth I will tell you indeed.
I’m of the Christian creation,
And ruled by the Catholic creed.
The Scripture I ofttimes peruse it,
And God I did take for my guide.
Until that you do turn a Roman,
You shall never have me for your bride.”
“Fair main, I will start you one question,
Explain it to me if you can.
The Bible’s the guide of our Religion
And how can you prove that I’m wrong.
But if you confute me by Scripture,
My parents I’ll always disown,
And with you I’ll become a true member
And live up to your true Church of Rome.”
“Kind sir, it is an easy matter
To prove unto you that you’re wrong.
Transubstantiation we believe in
You’ll find it in the Book of John.
An if that you want to go further,
Sure, God he made Peter his own.
The keys of his treasure he gave him
To govern the true Church of Rome.”
“In hopes that we may have a blessing
This night from the heavens above,
Controversy we’ll freely abolish
And join in the arms of love.
Your gran explanation has won me,
My dear I will make you my own.
And with you I’ll become a true member
And live up to the true Church of Rome.”