In Newry town, where I was bred and born,
Stephen's Green now I lie in scorn.
I served my time there to the saddlers' trade,
And I always was a roving blade.
At seventeen I took a wife,
And I loved her dearer than I loved my life;
And for to keep her both neat and gay,
I went a-robbing on the King's highway.
I never robbed any poor man yet
Nor any tradesman did I beset
I robbed the lords and the ladies bright
And robbed their jewels, and robbed their jewels for 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.
I robbed Lord Golding I do declare,
And Lady Mansel, in Grosvenor Square;
I shut the shutters and bad them good night.
And home I went then to my heart’s delight.
My father cried, "My darling son."
My wife she 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 broadswords and sweet liberty.
Six pretty fair maids to bear my Pall,
Give them white garlands and ribbons all.*)
And when I'm dead they will speak the truth,
He was a wild and a wicked youth.