Lord Dillard and Lady Flora- Wilmer (KY) 1934 Niles B
[John Jacob Niles collected two versions and says in the Ballad Book of John Jacob Niles: "Ballads containing the story-line of 'Lady Maisry' have been encountered in Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, the Baltic States, the Germanic countries, France, Spain, Portugal, and, of course, England, Scotland, and the North American continent. In almost every case, there is agreement on the important points. The heroine rejects all the local suitors. An employee on her father's estate, a kitchen worker, or a rejected suitor reports that the heroine is about to give birth to an illegitimate child. She loses her life at the stake or in some equally violent manner, her true lover arriving too late to save her but in time to avenge her death with sword and fire."
The style and choice of words point to a ballad recreation, something Niles has admitted (Wilgus).
R. Matteson 2014]
LORD DILLARD AND LADY FLORA- Anna Wilmer; Rockcastle County, Ky.
1. "Oh little boy, oh pretty boy,
I'll give you meat and fee,
If you will to Lord Dillard go
And fetch him quick to me."
2. "Go saddle up my bestest horse,
The one that foaled last spring,
And let me have my bugle horn,
And I'll make the bridle ring."
3. "Oh Mother, Father, Brother,
How hateful are you all!
I soon will die a-burning,
And be beyond recall."
4. Lord Dillard and his merry men
For help they came too late.
And how they'll swing their trusty swords
Because of all this hate.
5. Lord Dillard went into the blaze
And lifted up her head,
But nevermore a word said she,
'Cause she and her son were dead.