RUSH

THE MURDERER OF

JERMY

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Good people listen unto my song,
And girls to whom honest hearts belong,
Pay great attention to what I say,
And by the wicked be not led astray.

Poor Emily Sandford was learned well,
Yet mark what to her fatal lot befel,
The serpent's tongue caused the tears to gush,
For she was betrayed by James Bloomfield Rush.

She begged most pleadingly to be his wife,
And lived with him a most unhappy life;
And though the hot tears down her cheeks did flow,
The monster headed not Miss Sandford's woe.

But seeing that she now was ruined quite,
She stood upon her feet in female might,
And with her pale hand stretched towards his face,
Said "God will curse thee for my deep disgrace."

Forboding were the words Miss Sandford said,
For murderous thoughts were in the wretch's head;
He set to work, and speedily did plan
The death of servants, husband, wife and son.

A five barrelled pistol he soon did buy,
And then a mask upon his face did try;
Put on his hat and cloak, and pistols drew
Within its fold - a bloody deed to do.

For Stanfield Hall he did quickly start,
And old Squire Jermy he shot through the heart!
And while the gray-haired man lay bleeding there,
He shot his son and lovely wife so fair.

Eliza Chestney to her mistress ran,
Saying, "Dearest mistress, who is this man?"
And, while she pressed her mistress to her heart,
A bullet pierced her in a dangerous part.

James Bloomfield Rush was then to prison sent,
Miss Sandford against him a witness went;
She was well avenged, - for on the gallows high,
The base seducer was condemn'd to die!

The Judge soon told him that his race was run, -
That he must die for the murderous deeds he'd done;
To use the time that yet on earth was given
In making peace with his God in heaven.

O had you witness'd the parting hour
Of this wretched man and his nine children dear,
Your hearts would break to think that they might see
Their father hung upon the gallows tree!