Now gather around, you young girls and boys,
And hear this story of plots and of ploys,
When I've told my tale I'll give you my name,
But first, just listen and learn of my fame.
I'll tell you a place which I used to haunt,
It was TUTBURY famed by bold John of Gaunt,
He once lived there, in a Castle I hate,
I believe his name is still over some gate.
I came from Scotland to visit Queen Bess,
(My subjects had all turned against me I guess).
But she put me in prison for eighteen long years,
I cried and I cried, 'til I had no more tears.
First to Bolton, then Tutbury, then Wingfield, I went,
I started to think,"Just what's her intent?"
Then back once again to Tutbury I came,
I was weary, and tired of the whole silly game.
They opened my letters, and gave me no peace,
Oh, how I longed and dreamed of release,
Then to Chartley they took me one ill-fated day,
And next have you guessed?.....to FOTHERINGHAY!,
And so, in the year of one-five-eight-seven,
I lost my head, and journeyed to Heaven.
Thus ended their schemes and their dastardly plots;
Signed .....THE GHOST OF MARY, THE QUEEN OF THE SCOTS!
by
Shirley Frances Winskill 1985
