Thousands of persons followed the unfortunate lovers to the grave, where they were buried together.
Jane Williams had a lover true And Edwards was his name, Whose visits to her father’s house, Had welcome now became.
In marriage soon they would be bound, A loving man and wife, But John Hodges, a farmer’s son, With jealousy was rife.
One night he met her in the field, And vile proposals made; How can I do this wicked thing; Young Jane then weeping said.
He quickly threw her on the ground, He seized her by surprise, And did accomplish his foul act, Despite her tears and cries.
Her lover passing by that way, Discovered her in tears, And when he found what had been done He pulled the monster’s ears.
Young Hodges with the bill-hook, Then cut young Edwards down: And by one fatal blow he felled Jane Williams on the ground.
There side by side the lovers lay Weltering in their blood: Young Jane was dead, her lover lived, Though ebb’d away life’s flood.
Old Williams sought his daughter dear, When awful to relate, He found her lifeless body there, Her lover’s dreadful fate.
Now in one grave they both do lie, These lovers firm and true, Who by a cruel man were slain, Who’ll soon receive his due.
In prison now he is confined, To answer for the crime. Two lovers that he murdered, Cut off when in their prime.
FULL PARTICULARS OF THIS DREADFUL MURDER.
A scene of bloodshed of the deepest dye has been committed in this neighbourhood, which has caused a painful and alarming sensation among all classes in this place, in consequence of its being committed by an individual that is well known to most of the inhabitants who are going in great numbers to the fatal spot where the unfortunate and ill-fated victim has met with this melancholy and dreadful end.
On the news arriving at our office, we at once dispatched our reporter to the spot, and on his arrival he found the place surrounded by men, women, and children, gathered around where the vital spark had fled, which was never to be regained on the face of this earth. Deep was the conversation among the accumulated persons, as to how a fellow creature could be guilty of committing such a revolting and diabolical act upon one, who, it appears, was much respected in this neighbourhood.