VII. The Owl and the Wren: Lady Macduff by Kate Soper Lyrics

At daylight's end, a mother wren
in times corrupt and foul
with chicks alone, in her poor home
was spotted by an owl.

"Good owl," said she, "do pity me
and spare this little nest!"
He heeds her not, he has no thought
for her defencelessness.

"Sir owl," she cried, "you'll be despised
for I have done no wrong!"
But he knows all the blameless fall
while murderers live on.

Lulla-lulla-lullaby, lullaby.
Lulla-lulla-lullaby, lulla-lulla-lullaby.

The Thane of Fife, he had a wife,
and many pretty babes.
He fled their nest, and they, bereft,
were by his fear betrayed.
The owl is fed, his claws are red;
the ones that you adore,
their throats are cut, their eyes are shut,
you'll hear them sing no more.

Oh God, say why he fled my side
and left me to this fate!
They come anon with daggers drawn --
They come, they come and we await.

Lulla-lulla-lullaby, lullaby.
Lulla-lulla-lullaby, lulla-lulla-lullaby.