The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

A SOUND SLEEPER

IN IRELAND THEY LAY THE DEAD OUT IN THE HOUSE. THE
MEN FRIENDS SIT UP ALL NIGHT WITH THE BODY. AT
THIS ONE PARTICULAR WAKE, ONE OF THE MEN FELL
ASLEEP, AND SO ANOTHER MAN DECIDED TO PLAY A
TRICK ON HIM. HE TIED THE END OF THE SHEET THAT
COVERED THE CORPSE TO THE COAT TAIL OF THE
SLEEPING MAN. WHEN THE MAN AWOKE, HE SUDDENLY
STOOD UP, UPON DOING SO, HE PULLED THE SHEET
WHICH IN TURN JERKED THE BODY SO THAT IT SAT
UP. THE MAN GOT SUCH A FRIGHT, THAT YOU CAN BE
CERTAIN THIS WAS THE LAST TIME HE WENT TO SLEEP
AT AN IRISH WAKE.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: 07-11-1964