Lyric discussion by jxnarcoticz 

Cover art for A Bower Scene lyrics by Decemberists, The

THANK YOU FOR POSTING THIS. Oh my goodness.

Adding quotes would be cool, just for easier reading.

"Thou unconsolable daughter," said the sister "When will thou trouble the water of the cistern and what irascible blackguard is a father?"

For the literary impaired (i.e. my own benefit. I m-w.com open in another window as I listen to the album)

"Yo sis," Margaret's (probably older sister) asked "when is your water going to break? (when is the baby due?) and what hot-headed rude guy is the father? (of the baby)"

And when Margaret started to get fatter/show the baby...

I'd only add quotes if they were in the official lyrics...which I don't have right now.