Anonymous - The Ruins of Walsingham lyrics

In the wracks of Walsingham Whom should I choose But the Queen of Walsingham to be my guide and muse. Then, thou Prince of Walsingham, Grant me to frame Bitter plaints to rue thy wrong, Bitter woe for thy name. Bitter was it so to see The seely sheep Murdered by the ravenous wolves While the shepherds did sleep. Bitter was it, O to view The sacred vine, Whilst the gardeners played all close, Rooted up by the swine. Bitter, bitter, O to behold The gra** to grow Where the walls of Walsingham So stately did show. Such were the worth of Walsingham While she did stand, Such are the wracks as now do show Of that Holy Land. Level, level, with the ground The towers do lie, Which, with their golden glittering tops, Pierced once to the sky. Where were gates are no gates now, The ways unknown Where the press of peers did pa** While her fame was blown. Owls do scrike where the sweetest hymns Lately were sung, Toads and serpents hold their dens Where the palmers did throng. Weep, weep, O Walsingham, Whose days are nights, Blessings turned to blasphemies, Holy deeds to despites. Sin is where Our Lady sat, Heaven is turned to hell, Satan sits where Our Lord did sway -- Walsingham, O farewell!