THE BELFAST SHOE-MAKER.
I 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,
