Lament of Dusk

[Verse 1] Oh, the sun has fled, the sky turns black, The wolves are howlin’, the bats attack! The tavern’s warm, but out there it’s cold, And shadows will snatch both young and old! [Chorus] So toss me a coin, before you depart, A penny for safety, to guard your heart! The night is wicked, the roads are grim, And the odds of survival? Oh, terribly slim! [Verse 2] There’s goblins lurking in the woods, And witches brewing their cursed goods! The bog’s full of spirits, the graves start to groan, And bandits will rob you, then take your trombone! [Chorus] So toss me a coin, don’t be a miser, Or a curse’ll befall you—a fate much unwise-er! I’m just a bard, but my warnings are real, And the cost of a song’s a most splendid deal! [Verse 3] Beware the moonlight, it’s terribly bright, It blinds you to creatures that creep in the night! The owls are spies, the foxes are sly, And the highwaymen whisper, “Your purse or you die!” [Chorus] So toss me a coin, or buy me a drink, To ward off the monsters and help you think! For silver wards off the fey and the vile— And if I’m well-tipped, I’ll bless you with style! [Bridge] Now don’t be a fool, heed my refrain, If you wander too far, you’ll ne’er come again! Stay close to the light, keep your wits sharp, Or you’ll end as a snack for the Count of Damp Marsh! [Final Verse] So fare thee well, but tip me true, For keeping you safe, it’s the least you can do! The night is long, my purse is thin, And tomorrow I’ll need ale, for singing again! [Final Chorus] So toss me a coin, one last for the road, A bard’s work is heavy, though it may not show’d! Goodnight, dear friends, now off you all creep— And may you survive until morning’s first peep!