Roving Blade - Ilsa

In Newry town, I was bred and born

On Stephen’s Green now I die in scorn

I served my time on the saddler’s trade

But I was bound to be a roving blade

At seventeen I took a wife

Loved him dearer than I loved my life;

And for to keep him both fine and gay

I to robbing on the King’s highway

I never robbed any poor man yet

Nor any tradesmen did I beset

But I robbed lords and their ladies bright

And brought their jewels home to my hearts delight

I robbed Lord Golding I do declare

And Lady Monsel in Grosvenor Square

Shut their shutter, bade them goodnight

Then home I went to my heart’s delight

To Covent Garden I made my way

With my dear wife for to see the play;

Lord Fielding’s men did me pursue

And taken was I by the cursed crew

My father cried Oh my darling son!

My wife he cried I am undone!

My mother tore her white locks and cried

That in the cradle I should have died

When I am dead and in my grave

A flashy funeral pray let me have;

Six highwaymen for to carry me

Give them good broadswords and their liberty

Six pretty maids to bear my pall

Give them white garlands and ribbons all

And when I’m dead they may speak the truth

He was a wild and wicked youth