The Squire's Young Daughter

You constant young lovers draw near, the truth unto you I'll unfold.
Now in grief I am left here bewailing, no comfort on earth to behold.
Six months in a sad situation, bound down in strong irons, it's true,
It's all for the sake of a fair one, I'm afraid I must bid her adieu.

It was down in yon green shady arbor, where the flowers were blooming and gay,
It was there I beheld that fair creature, she exceeded the bright Queen of May.
Since Cupid discovered her beauty, all comfort he did me deny,
And it's now for the squire's young daughter in the cold shades of prison I lie.

When her father found out that she loved me, straightaway to silent ambush he did lay,
It's convenient to me and my true love, for to hear the soft words she did say.
A gold ring she slipped on my finger, saying, "Jimmy keep me in your mind,
And if ever you stray from the island, I pray do not leave me behind."

Oh they kissed, shook hands and they parted, it's in hopes for to meet the next noon,
But hard was the heart of her father, he confined my love close in her room."
A guard of policeman got ready, and he swore to the ring on my hand,
And it's now for the squire's young daughter, I'm afraid a hard trial I'll stand.

It's Mary being constant and loyal, straightaway to my trial she came,
My kind parents being in grief and bewailing, oh says she, "I'll protect your dear son."
She was dressed like some lady of honour, and the best of rich robes she did wear,
And at her the judge was surprised, and all the grand jury did stare.

She boldly saluted those young nobles and these were the words she did say,
"It's in case that you loved a young female, why should you be banished away?
It's seven long years we've been courting, and I own that I gave him my heart,
And it's nothing but death will release me if me and my Jimmy should part."

Oh it's now to conclude and to finish, giving thanks to the powers above.
It's likewise to young Mary Arkin, who wore the true armor of love.
Her father he thought to transport me away from my own count-er-ey,
But she has released me from bondage and set me at sweet liberty.

Oh it's now we are married and happy, and our portions on both sides paid down.
Our parents on both sides contented, although it's caused manys the frown.
We live on the banks of the Shannon in love and in sweet unity,
And I think of the squire's young daughter, how loyal she has proved unto me.

From Allan Kelly, I believe, New Brunswick