It fell upon the Eustace Eve, close by Bethnal Green
A pretty little seamstress lived in a house so mean
Her husband’s name it was McRae and her own was Bryony
Her apron would not fit her, a family there would be

And in the quiet of the night, she dreamed a cruel dream
The pretty needlewoman who lived by Bethnal Green
Death, he would come unto her and take the child away
She woke in such a fright upon that dark and dismal day

In Bethnal on the Eustace morn, evil is abroad
And when the sun has risen come a knock upon the door
Don’t you let him in my dear, his name you first must learn
He is a noble soldierman, his name is called Redfern

On the floor lies poor McRae, (all) murdered in his gore
As Redfern turns to Bryony, a-wipin’ of his sword
Wipin’ of his sword, he says, (now) no more shall you sew
(I’ll) speak for you and your baby with but a single blow

As he step-ed up to her, the seamstress she did flee
Through the streets of Bethnal and to the Rookery
She went into the bleeding house to hide herself away
Death was waiting there for her (just) as the dream did say

Death, oh Death, my babe’s not born, do not take her from me
It is not she I take from thee, but you must come with me
Death, Oh Death, have pity please though I must say goodbye
Save my precious little child who wasn’t meant to die

And God is good and merciful and on his grace we thrive
For though her parents two were killed, the babe she did survive
So, helpless babes and children all, pray do not fear the dark
For though the thunder roars, your God will send to you an ark
You little babes and children all, do not fear the dark
(For) when the Day seems over, yet the daylight isn’t far