Lyrics Roving Blade - Ilsa

Roving Blade

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