In the late 1790s and the following decade, "Monk" Lewis's characteristically febrile text was popular for a dozen settings (of which he himself considered that of Harriet Abrams to be the best). In addition, there were several imitations spawned, e.g. The Death of Crazy Jane and the Ghost of Crazy Jane.

Lyrics: Matthew Gregory Lewis

Why, fair maid, in ev'ry feature,
Are such signs of fear express'd?
Can a wand'ring wretched creature
With such terror fill thy breast?
Do my frenzied looks alarm thee?
Trust me, sweet, thy fears are vain;
Not for kingdoms would I harm thee.
Shun not then poor Crazy Jane.

Dost thou weep to see my anguish?
Mark me and avoid my woe.
When men flatter, sigh and languish,
Think them false: I found them so.
For I loved, oh so sincerely,
None could ever love again,
But the youth I loved so dearly
Stole the wits of Crazy Jane.

Fondly my young heart receiv'd him,
Which was doom'd to love but one;
He sigh'd, he vow'd, and I believ'd him,
He was false, and I undone.
From that hour has reason never
Held her empire o'er my brain.
Henry fled! With him for ever
Fled the wits of Crazy Jane.