"The Mother's Plea For Her Son" lyrics - CHARLIE POOLE

Strolling to a courthouse
Not many miles from here
A boy stood in the prison dark
While his mother she stood near
The lad was quite a youngster
Although he'd gone astray
And from his master's cashbox
He'd stolen some coin away

The lad addressed his honor
As the tears flowed down his cheek
He said, "Kind sir, would you please allow
My mother here to speak"
His honor then consented
While the boy hung down his head
And turning to the jurymen
These words his mother said:

"Remember I'm a widow
And the prisoner is my son
And gentlemen, remember
It is the first crime he has done
Don't send my boy to prison
For that would drive me mad
Remember I'm a widow
And I'm pleading for my lad"

The widow's eyes were flashing fire
And her cheeks turned deathly pale
"The reason why I'm here today
Is to save my boy from jail
Although I know he's guilty
And I know his crime is bad
But remember I'm his mother
And I'm pleading for my lad"