Ballad of Betrayal

Oh maiden fair, why do you weep?

No well of sorrow is dug to deep.

Come wipe your tears and do relate

The troubles that befell your fate.

Oh wise old sage, your listening ear

Is not meant my burdens to bear.

Please let me be and worry not,

Continue on your sullen trot.

Oh maiden fair, I understand.

Allow me instead to take your hand,

For danger lurks under these trees

From beasts most foul to witches’ deeds.

Oh wise old sage, you are too kind,

Alas I must once more decline.

For though the night is dark and cold

My broken heart long was foretold.

Oh maiden fair, how could it be?

Are we to meet here by prophecy?

For that which drove me to this plane

Were magic forces most arcane.

Oh wise old sage, is it not said

How curiosity’s best not bed?

What if the spell that summoned you

Was that of witchcraft, vile and slew?

Oh maiden fair, I carry a stick

Which wards off any ol’ witch’s trick.

I shan’t be bested, I cannot yield

As long as my trusted wand I wield.

Oh wise old sage, how can it be?

This wand of yours I wish to see.

My, it does shimmer ever so much!

It must feel wondrous to the touch.

Oh maiden fair, I read your wish;

I’ll lend you my stick for a single kiss.

Here, hold my wand in your hands so sleek,

Then plant your lips upon my cheek.

Oh blind old man, you played the fool!

Now you are naked without your tool.

For it was I who lured you here

To take your life and all you hold dear.

Oh cunning witch, your trick is most vile!

How could I have fallen for your wiles?

I’m blind no more, though it is too late;

Let me make peace with my fate.