Pharisee - David McWilliams

As I was walking along the road

my raincoat gathered' round

I met a pretty lady

comin' from the town

she had a basket on her arm

and she stumbled as she ran

so when she came before me

I commanded her to stand

«I cannot stop or stand» she cried

«Though that’s the way I feel

but I dare not wait one moment

for the sheriff’s at my heels»

«Why do they seek one such as you»

I asked her in alarm

«Because I killed the preacher

though I meant to do no harm

for he followed me alone last night

and he tried to make no sound

and he tried to take me

upon the cold wet ground

but as he fell upon me

I struck out at his head

and when he lat beside me

I saw that he was dead

and they will not listen to me

when I tell them what was done

devil to me, to them, he was

a saint to everyone

for he gave sermons every night

for all the world to see

against a man who’s known so well

would you believe in me»

so I took her to my house that night

and I hid her through the day

and when the search had ended

I sent her on her way

for I don’t despise the pauper

and I don’t despise the priest

but I do despise the Pharisee

who prays out in the street