The Four Brooms

Four brooms hang in the long old hall
Unclaimed since fire and plague both came
Their owners were hanged by the witch-finders and nothing else of them remains.

Malkin Macall was a wise old maid, who gave advice and salves to all,
They had no course to curse her name (and yet her broom is on the wall)
What proof of witchcraft more than women's brains.

Four brooms hang in the long old hall
Unclaimed since fire and plague both came
Their owners were hanged by the witch-finders and nothing else of them remains.

Frieda Farrow was a feisty lass, they said she caused young men to fall,
Forgetting that they chose the game (and her broom too is on the wall)
What proof of witchcraft more than drooling swains?

Four brooms hang in the long old hall
Unclaimed since fire and plague both came
Their owners were hanged by the witch-finders and nothing else of them remains.

Griselda Gray was a grim-faced grandam, but age may sour as apples gall,
Her tongue was sharp to assign blame (Small wonder hers is on the wall)
What proof of witchcraft more when gossip reigns?

Four brooms hang in the long old hall
Unclaimed since fire and plague both came
Their owners were hanged by the witch-finders and nothing else of them remains.

Theresa Trask was a working wife, to family a hard-worn thrall
Worn down by care, and seared with shame  (How did that broom end on the wall?)
No proof at all of witchcraft there, when mere association stains.

Four brooms hang in the long old hall
Unclaimed since fire and plague both came
Their owners were hanged by the witch-finders and nothing else of them remains.

Sarah Sidelow was a shadowy wight, she laughed that maid, lass, grandam, and thrall,
Were treated by the fools the same, as those whose broomstick soared o'er all
The devil's own, the ones who knew the secrets of the hidden skeins.