Minstrels Eulogy

Minstrels Eulogy

Where came the blood that stains your hands?
Father, tell me, I must know.
Is it from some creature of forest deep
that lurked there in the snow?

My daughter, it's just from an old gray wolf
grown hungry and mad with age.
When it attacked I found myself
consumed with righteous rage

Oh father dear, 'tis not the blood
of wolf or beast of field,
none would be out this time of day
for to man they always yield.

Shame hangs my head, oh daughter dear,
and needs must I confess.
'Tis the blood of thine own true love
I killed to my distress.

Oh father, why would you take his life
leaving me bereft in grief?
'Tis you I'll slay if strength I find
to give mine heart relief.

Fear not, oh daughter of my heart,
for justice doth await.
Outside, there stands the hangman dark
to take me to my fate.