The Hazards of Love 1 (The Prettiest Whistles Won't Wrestle the Thistles Undone) Lyrics

Lyric discussion by CaptainSpoon 

Cover art for The Hazards of Love 1 (The Prettiest Whistles Won't Wrestle the Thistles Undone) lyrics by Decemberists, The

The maidens aren't paid around to sit there, heh. The line is meant to highlight Margaret's longing for William. While all of the other maidens can do idle things to pass the time, Margaret is unable to do anything except think of William.

And I disagree with your notion that Margaret was raped. There's little to imply that that is the case, and Margaret willingly seeking William out suggests otherwise.

Yeah, I've read another transcription or two that seemed to imply she was raped, and I don't really get that. The Rake sets a heavy tone for the rest of the album, but I doubt Colin wanted to tell some twisted tale of a maiden falling for her rapist, of all people.