The Parson and the Clerk

Come said the Parson to his clerk
Let's leave and return before dark
The Bishop's palace is so fine
When he dies it will be mine

To Exeter they were bound
The dying Bishop they then found
My Lord it saddens me so
To see you ill and laid out low

After paying respects to the dying man
The Parson and clerk's return began
On Haldon Hill their way was slow
In fog which way should they go

The Parson to the clerk he did say
You've taken us the wrong way
I'd have the devil not my clerk
Then a voice called out from the dark

The clerk has placed you in danger
Come with me said the stranger
To a house oh so fine
They entered in to drink and dine

That night a whisper went around
The dead Bishop in his bed found
The Parson felt it would be good
To return to Exeter if he could

He said let us be away
Despite foul weather without delay
The Parson turned to bid farewell
To the host now a sight from hell

Their host was the Devil so real
Any joy of life he would steal
On their horses off they did race
Without control at such a pace

On towards Dawlish town
At a cliff they tumbled down
Into the sea never seen again
The Parson's life had been in vain

Where they died two rocks stand
A sign of the vanity of man
The Devil's work made this mark
Known as the Parson and the Clerk