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Oh, listen to my story, I'll tell you no lies, |
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How John Lewis did murder poor little Omie Wise. |
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He told her to meet him at Adams's Springs. |
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He promised her money and other fine things. |
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So, fool-like she met him at Adams's Springs. |
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No money he brought her nor other fine things. |
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"Go with me, little Omie, and away we will go. |
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We'll go and get married and no one will know." |
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She climbed up behind him and away they did go, |
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But off to the river where deep waters flow. |
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"John Lewis, John Lewis, will you tell me your mind? |
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Do you intend to marry me or leave me behind?" |
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"Little Omie, little Omie, I'll tell you my mind. |
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My mind is to drown you and leave you behind." |
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"Have mercy on my baby and spare me my life, |
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I'll go home as a beggar and never be your wife." |
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He kissed her and hugged her and turned her around, |
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Then pushed her in deep waters where he knew that she would drown. |
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He got on his pony and away he did ride, |
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As the screams of little Omie went down by his side. |
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T'was on a Thursday morning, the rain was pouring down, |
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When the people searched for Omie but she could not be found. |
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Two boys went a-fishin' one fine summer day, |
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And saw little Omie's body go floating away. |
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They threw their net around her and drew her to the bank. |
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Her clothes all wet and muddy, they laid her on a plank. |
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Then sent for John Lewis to come to that place -- |
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And brought her out before him so that he might see her face. |
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He made no confession but they carried him to jail, |
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No friends or relations would go on his bail. |
