Page:Belfast shoemaker, or, Bold Irvine and Jane Wilson.pdf/2



Am a bold shoe-maker, from Belfast town I came,

And to my sad misfortune, I listed in the train;

My usage being very bad, with me did not agree,

That was the very time, my boys, I thought of liberty.

And being drunk, I listed, knew nothing of the same

But coming to my senses, I called out amain!

On seeing of my colours, the tears did flow amain;

For which I will not mention, nor neither will I name.

I had a loving sweetheart, Jean Wilson was her name,

Said it griev'd her to the heart to see me in the train;

She said if that I would desert, I was to let her know,

She'd dress me in her own clothes, I might ramble to & fro.

We march'd to Tipperary, our captain gave command,

That I & my comrade all night on guard should stand;

The night being wet & very dark, with me did well agree,

That was the very night, my boys, I thought of liberty.

In taking of my liberty, I fled into the north,

And being wet and weary, I rested in a forth;

I had not long remained there till I rose up again,

And looking all around me, I spy'd five of the train!

Come on, you cowardly rascals! I do you not regard,

I don't regard your officers, tho' they should you reward,

I don't regard your officers, nor with them will I stay;

But your life will spare, for to declare, I gain'd my liberty.

Seven of the Iniskiling boys came, for to guard me

Up to the Chapel-yard, and there to punish'd be!

Before we got half of the way, as you may plainly see,

I beat the seven cowardly dogs, and took my liberty.

But in that cruel combat my hammer they did steal,

They sold it for five loaves—was'nt that a curious meal!