A Lyke-Wake Song

Fair of face, full of pride,

Sit ye down by a dead man's side.

Ye sang songs a' the day:

Sit down at night in the red worm's way.

Proud ye were a' day long:

Ye'll be but lean at evensong.

Ye had gowd kells on your hair:

Nae man kens what ye were.

Ye set scorn by the silken stuff:

Now the grave is clean enough.

Ye set scorn by the rubis ring:

Now the worm is a saft sweet thing.

Fine gold and blithe fair face,

Ye are come to a grimly place.

Gold hair and glad grey een,

Nae man kens if ye have been.